By Africalivenews Staff
Addis Ababa – Ethiopian Airlines, in a strategic alliance with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has unveiled plans for the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport, a transformative $7.8 billion infrastructure project poised to reshape Africa’s aviation industry. The monumental initiative will see the development of a state-of-the-art airport facility just 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, aimed at making Ethiopia the continent’s premier aviation hub.
This ambitious project marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s aviation and economic history, as the country seeks to dramatically expand its air passenger handling capacity. Once completed, the new airport is expected to accommodate over 100 million passengers annually, a significant leap from the current 17 million capacity at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. With a projected operational target of 2040, the Bishoftu International Airport will play a pivotal role in meeting growing global travel demands, enhancing air connectivity, and positioning Ethiopia as a central gateway for air traffic to and from Africa.
Mega Project Backed by Key Partners
The airport development will be jointly executed by Ethiopian Airlines and the African Development Bank, one of the continent’s leading financial institutions committed to infrastructure development and regional integration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was recently signed with Dar, a Dubai-based consulting firm specializing in engineering and project design, to spearhead the conceptualization and architectural planning of the new facility.
According to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, the Bishoftu International Airport will not only be a game-changer for the airline but also serve as a critical economic driver for the region. “This project represents a bold leap into the future of African aviation,” said Tasew. “It will equip us with the infrastructure we need to support our growth ambitions, enhance passenger experience, and compete on the global stage.”
Why Bishoftu?
The selection of Bishoftu as the location for the new airport was based on a combination of geographic, strategic, and logistical advantages. Situated in the Oromia Region, just outside the capital, the site offers ample space for large-scale development and future expansion. Its proximity to Addis Ababa ensures continuity of service and accessibility for passengers, while also easing congestion at the existing Bole International Airport.
With increasing demand for both international and domestic air travel, the existing infrastructure has come under pressure, prompting Ethiopian Airlines to pursue a long-term solution that addresses not only current capacity issues but anticipates the needs of the next several decades. Bishoftu International is expected to feature multiple runways, extensive cargo facilities, advanced passenger terminals, and integrated multimodal transportation systems to support efficient movement of goods and people.
Economic and Regional Impact
Experts say the development of Bishoftu International Airport will have far-reaching economic implications, both for Ethiopia and the broader African continent. The project is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs during the construction phase and sustain thousands more once the airport becomes operational. It will also stimulate ancillary sectors such as hospitality, logistics, tourism, and retail.
The initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which calls for the modernization of infrastructure and increased intra-African connectivity. The new airport will serve as a key node in achieving these goals by facilitating seamless travel within Africa and bolstering the continent’s integration into the global economy.
Moreover, by enhancing the capacity of Ethiopian Airlines—already Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier—the airport will help consolidate the airline’s competitive edge against regional and international rivals. The carrier’s current hub, Bole International, has long been a cornerstone of its strategic model, but the anticipated growth in traffic necessitated the development of a more expansive facility.
Financing and Project Timeline
The $7.8 billion price tag reflects the scale and complexity of the project, which includes not only airport infrastructure but also road networks, rail links, power facilities, and technological systems. Financing will be secured through a combination of AfDB support, public-private partnerships, and sovereign investment, according to initial project briefs.
Preliminary construction activities are expected to begin in the coming months, with the airport slated for completion within five years. Ethiopian Airlines has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the project adheres to international environmental and safety standards.
Looking Ahead
As the global aviation industry recovers from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is renewed urgency to build resilient, future-ready infrastructure. African carriers, long disadvantaged by limited capacity and outdated infrastructure, are seizing this moment to invest in transformative projects. Bishoftu International Airport represents Ethiopia’s bold vision to not only reclaim but redefine its place in the global aviation hierarchy.
With strong backing from financial and technical partners, and a clear strategic roadmap, the airport is set to become one of Africa’s largest and most advanced air transport facilities. For Ethiopian Airlines, it is a leap into the future—one that underscores its ambition to remain at the forefront of aviation on the continent and beyond.
As Mesfin Tasew aptly stated, “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.”
