New Bishoftu airport to transform regional aviation capacity and support long term growth
Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched construction of a $12.5 billion airport project that is set to become the largest aviation hub in Africa, marking a major milestone in the continent’s transport and infrastructure development.
The new airport is being built in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, and is scheduled for completion in 2030.
The state-owned carrier has been awarded the contract to design the four-runway airport, which is expected to significantly expand Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and reinforce its role as a key gateway between Africa and the rest of the world.
“Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said on X. The airport will have space to park 270 planes and capacity for 110 million passengers a year.
Once operational, the new airport will offer more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s existing main airport, which is projected to reach its traffic limits within the next two to three years, according to the Prime Minister.
The expansion is designed to support rising passenger numbers, growing cargo volumes and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding route network.
Funding for the project will be shared between the airline and external financiers. Ethiopian Airlines’ Infrastructure Development and Planning Director Abraham Tesfaye said the carrier would contribute 30% of the funding, with lenders financing the remainder.
Significant progress is already under way. Ethiopian Airlines has allocated $610 million for earthworks, which are expected to be completed within one year. Main contractors are scheduled to begin work in August 2026, following early site preparation activities.
The project was initially estimated at $10 billion before being revised to reflect expanded scope and capacity.
International lenders have shown strong interest in supporting the development. The African Development Bank announced last August that it would provide a $500 million loan and lead efforts to raise a further $8.7 billion in financing.
“Lenders from Middle East, Europe, China and USA have shown strong interest to finance the project,” Abraham said.
The airport investment comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s largest carrier. The airline added six new routes during the 2024 and 2025 period and has reported expanding revenues, underscoring the need for long term infrastructure to support sustained growth.
When completed, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a transformative role in African aviation, boosting connectivity, trade and tourism while cementing Ethiopia’s status as a leading continental aviation hub.