Ethiopian Airlines Begins Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport
Ethiopian Airlines has embarked on an ambitious project to construct Bishoftu International Airport, which is projected to be a $12.5 billion investment. Once completed, this airport is set to become the largest aviation hub in Africa.
The official inauguration of this significant infrastructure development took place on January 10, 2026, in the Oromia region near Bishoftu. Representatives from Ethiopian Airlines confirm that construction is currently in progress and will be carried out in phases, with the initial phase expected to be finished by 2030.
H2: Features and Capacity of Bishoftu International Airport
Bishoftu International Airport will boast four runways and has the capability to park up to 270 aircraft. When fully operational, the airport aims to serve approximately 110 million passengers each year. During its first phase, it is anticipated that the facility will accommodate around 60 million passengers annually, creating more than 26,000 job opportunities for aviation professionals.
H3: Alleviating Congestion at Bole International Airport
The purpose of the new airport is to reduce the growing congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), located approximately 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) away. Ethiopian officials have indicated that Bole Airport is projected to reach its operational limit within two to three years. Bishoftu International Airport is positioned as a strategic hub for logistics and connectivity, aimed at bridging the aviation infrastructure gap across Africa.
H2: Funding and Financial Overview
Ethiopian Airlines is planning to cover around 30% of the total project cost, while the remaining funds will be sourced from various financial institutions in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States. The airline has already allocated $610 million for initial earthworks, with major construction activities set to commence in August 2026.
The initial budget for this project was estimated at $10 billion, but it has been updated to $12.5 billion due to the expanded scale and complexity of the development.
As Ethiopia continues to expand its aviation infrastructure, how do you think this will impact air travel across Africa?
