Ethiopian Airlines has officially commenced the construction of a monumental $12.5 billion airport project in Bishoftu, a town located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. This ambitious endeavor is expected to position itself as Africa”s largest airport upon its completion in 2030.
The Ethiopian government awarded the state-owned airline the contract to design the airport, which will feature four runways. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali announced on social media platform X that the Bishoftu International Airport will be the most significant aviation infrastructure project in the continent”s history.
With the capacity to accommodate 110 million passengers annually and park 270 aircraft, the new airport”s scale is impressive. It is projected to more than quadruple the capacity of Ethiopia”s current main airport, which is anticipated to reach its operational limits within the next two to three years.
According to Abraham Tesfaye, the airline”s Infrastructure Development & Planning Director, Ethiopian Airlines will fund 30% of the project”s costs, while the remainder will be financed through lenders. The airline has already earmarked $610 million for initial earthworks, scheduled for completion within a year. Main construction activities are slated to commence in August 2026.
This project was initially estimated at $10 billion, highlighting the growing investment in aviation infrastructure as part of Ethiopia”s broader economic development strategy. As the demand for air travel continues to rise across Africa, this airport could play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the region.
