Addis Ababa, January 11, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Saturday that the construction of Bishoftu International Airport will deliver a lasting solution to Ethiopia’s long-standing logistics challenges and significantly enhance the nation’s infrastructure landscape.
Delivering his remarks at the official groundbreaking ceremony held Saturday, the Prime Minister described the airport project as a transformative national infrastructure initiative. It is expected to redefine the country’s logistics framework and support its ambitions to become a major global transit hub.
Prime Minister Abiy recalled that Ethiopian Airlines has served as a symbol of national pride and a cornerstone of the Ethiopian state for more than eight decades. He noted that the airline’s journey to prominence was marked by resilience, having withstood regime changes, man-made crises, and natural disasters to steadily rise as Africa’s leading carrier.
Highlighting the factors behind Ethiopian Airlines’ success, the Prime Minister credited its strong corporate culture, its independent operation under international business law, and its leadership’s focus on safety and excellence, supported by a workforce committed to carrying the national flag with collective responsibility and dedication.
Turning to the newly launched airport project, Prime Minister Abiy stated that Bishoftu International Airport will rank among the world’s few “mega-airports”, with projected annual passenger handling capacity of up to 110 million. In addition to the airport itself, he announced plans for major supporting infrastructure, including a high-speed expressway capable of accommodating up to 12 lanes of traffic, designed to facilitate seamless movement of goods and people.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the inclusion of a fast rail network that will link the new airport directly with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, strengthening integration within the national air transport system and enhancing efficiency across the logistics chain.
Describing Bishoftu International Airport as a “grand port for our ships in the sky,” Abiy emphasized that the project will finally address structural weaknesses that have long constrained Ethiopia’s logistics system and unlock new opportunities for economic expansion.
He concluded by noting that the same spirit of determination and resilience that has defined Ethiopian Airlines’ rise will be essential in overcoming the challenges facing the nation today, inspiring greater commitment to Ethiopia’s progress and development.