Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has officially begun construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a project set to become the continent’s largest aviation hub. The groundbreaking ceremony, held near Bishoftu, about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, was attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior officials from Ethiopia’s aviation and economic sectors.
The ambitious airport is designed to handle 110 million passengers annually at full capacity, positioning it among the world’s largest airports. Plans include four runways, parking for 270 aircraft, and phased development with the first stage accommodating 60 million passengers per year. The new facility aims to ease capacity pressures on Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which is currently nearing its limits.
The $12.5 billion project is financed through a combination of Ethiopian Airlines’ internal resources, international lenders, and investment from partners in the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States. Officials emphasize that Bishoftu Airport will strengthen Ethiopia’s status as a key gateway for air transport in Africa, enhance tourism and trade, and support the nation’s broader economic ambitions.
Ethiopian Airlines has long pursued a strategy of expanding capacity and modernizing infrastructure, and Bishoftu International Airport marks a historic milestone in both the airline’s and the continent’s aviation landscape. Completion is expected around 2030, promising to transform Addis Ababa into a major intercontinental hub and a global aviation landmark. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.