Addis Ababa, September 16, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said today that the Bishoftu Mega International Airport project is set to transform Africa’s connectivity, enhance trade, and drive economic growth across the continent.
The announcement was made during a two-day project showcase at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, which gathered government officials, financiers, investors, contractors, and airline executives to discuss the airport’s vision, financing, and implementation strategy.
The project, according to the CEO, responds to growing pressure on Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which handled nearly 20 million passengers last year and is expected to reach its maximum capacity of 25 million within the next two to three years.
With the airport now surrounded by urban development and unable to expand further, Ethiopian Airlines identified Bishoftu, located 40 kilometers south of the capital, as the ideal greenfield site for Africa’s largest and most modern airport, Mesfin underscored.
He asserted that over the past two years, Ethiopian Airlines has completed key preparatory steps for the project. These include securing the land, establishing a dedicated project management office, and constructing resettlement and livelihood facilities for affected farmers.
Mr. Mesfin said the project will serve not only Ethiopia but the wider continent, reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ role as a Pan-African carrier.
Leading international firms have been engaged to support the project: Dar Al-Handasah as technical consultant, KPMG as financial advisor, Clyde & Co. as legal advisor, and the African Development Bank as initial lead arranger for financing.
The showcase also provided detailed information on the master plan, financing model, risk allocation framework, and advanced design components, while inviting stakeholders to provide feedback to refine project execution.
The Bishoftu project enjoys strong backing from the Ethiopian government, with oversight by a national steering committee under the Prime Minister’s Office. The committee’s involvement underscores the strategic importance of the airport for both Ethiopia and the African continent, the CEO indicated.
Mesfin described Bishoftu International Airport as a transformative infrastructure milestone that is expected to create jobs, expand trade, and strengthen Africa’s integration into global aviation networks.
He called on all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the project, framing it as a legacy initiative for Ethiopia and the continent.