Ethiopia announced on Saturday the launch of a major project to build what it describes as the largest airport in Africa, at an estimated cost of $12.5 billion. The new airport will be constructed in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, and is scheduled for completion by 2030.
Ethiopian Airlines, the state-owned carrier, stated that it has secured the contract to design the new airport, which will feature four runways, parking capacity for 270 aircraft, and an operational capacity of 110 million passengers per year, placing it among the world’s largest airports, according to Reuters.
In a post on the social media platform X, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history. He added that its capacity will exceed by more than four times the maximum capacity of the country’s current main airport, which is expected to reach its operational limits within two to three years.
Diverse International Financing
Abraham Tsefaie, Director of Infrastructure Development and Planning at Ethiopian Airlines, explained that the company will cover 30% of the project’s cost, while the remaining funding will be secured through international lenders.
He added that the airline has already allocated $610 million for engineering excavation works, which are expected to be completed within a year, with main construction works set to begin in August 2026. The project’s estimated cost was initially $10 billion, before rising to $12.5 billion due to its expanded scope and enhanced technical specifications.
The African Development Bank is among the project’s key supporters, having announced last August its intention to contribute around $500 million and to lead efforts to mobilize financing of up to $8.7 billion. Tsefaie also noted strong interest from lenders in the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States, reflecting international confidence in the project’s economic viability.
A Continental Aviation Hub
Bishoftu Airport is considered a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s long-term economic vision, especially as Bole International Airport approaches its maximum capacity of approximately 25 million passengers per year. The project aims to transform Addis Ababa into a major continental transit hub, strengthening air connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world.
In previous statements, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said the project would be implemented in two phases: the first with a capacity of 60 million passengers annually, followed by an expansion phase increasing capacity to over 100 million passengers. He emphasized that the airport’s design will reflect Ethiopian identity and incorporate sustainability principles.
A Broad Economic Bet
Experts believe that investing in an airport of this scale goes beyond supporting the aviation sector, extending to tourism, trade, logistics services, foreign investment attraction, and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
According to Ethiopian Airlines data, the company transported around 19 million domestic and international passengers in a single year and generated revenues exceeding $7.5 billion, strengthening its ability to undertake the project despite economic challenges such as inflation and currency depreciation.
Balancing ambitions to become Africa’s leading air transport hub with efforts to solidify its position among the world’s major airlines, Ethiopia is betting on Bishoftu Airport as a new engine for economic growth and a modern gateway reflecting its rising presence on the continent.
