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Ethiopia Launches 12.5 billion dollars Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport

Posted on: 2026-01-10 15:59:08

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ADDIS-ABABA:- Ethiopia has officially commenced the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project expected to become the largest aviation facility on the African continent. With an estimated investment of 12.5 billion dollars, the airport is designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, positioning the country as a major global aviation and logistics hub by 2030.

The project, located near Bishoftu town about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Abeba, will feature four runways and a state-of-the-art passenger and cargo terminal complex. Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest carrier by fleet and network size, is overseeing the development in collaboration with international partners.

Officials say the new airport is a strategic response to capacity constraints at Bole International Airport, which currently handles more than 22 million passengers a year — far exceeding its original design capacity. Despite recent expansion works, Bole has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of Ethiopian Airlines and rising passenger traffic.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, government officials underscored the project’s significance for Ethiopia’s long-term economic transformation. The Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a central role in advancing the country’s ambition to become a continental gateway for air transport, trade, and tourism.

“The scale of this project reflects Ethiopia’s confidence in the future of its aviation sector,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Transport & Logistics. “It is not only an airport but a catalyst for industrial development, logistics integration, and job creation.”

Ethiopian Airlines has been at the forefront of Africa’s aviation expansion, recording consistent growth even during periods of global disruption. The airline currently serves more than 140 international destinations and has invested heavily in fleet modernisation, cargo operations, and aviation training facilities.

According to the airline’s executives, the new airport will significantly enhance operational efficiency and allow Ethiopian Airlines to expand its long-haul and cargo networks. Cargo and logistics are expected to be key pillars of the project, aligning with Ethiopia’s broader strategy to strengthen export competitiveness and regional trade integration.

The Bishoftu facility will be developed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed within the next few years. Once fully operational, it will rank among the largest airports globally in terms of passenger capacity, placing Ethiopia alongside major international aviation hubs.

Economists note that while the project carries substantial financial and implementation risks, its potential benefits could be transformative if managed prudently. Large-scale infrastructure investments have historically played a decisive role in Ethiopia’s growth model, though concerns persist over financing structures, debt sustainability, and project execution.

Urban planners and local authorities also anticipate significant spillover effects for Bishoftu and surrounding areas, including real estate development, hospitality, and auxiliary services. However, they caution that careful planning will be required to manage land use, environmental impact, and community displacement.

As construction gets underway, the Bishoftu International Airport stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Ethiopia’s modern history — a project that could redefine Africa’s aviation landscape if its promise is realised.