Addis Ababa, January 11, 2026 (FMC) — The construction of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) has been hailed as a landmark development for Ethiopia and the wider African aviation sector, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said yesterday.
Mesfin described the project as a major step toward addressing long‑standing structural challenges in Africa’s aviation industry and promoting sustainable growth across the continent.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport City, emphasizing that the project is a central pillar of Ethiopia’s national transformation agenda and a gateway to a more advanced, competitive, and prosperous future.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, First Lady Zinash Tayachew, and senior government officials, marking the formal start of the project.
According to Mesfin Tasew, the first phase of the airport city will include modern, world‑class passenger terminals designed to efficiently handle large volumes of travelers.
Bishoftu International Airport will feature two runways and infrastructure capable of accommodating up to 180 aircraft simultaneously. The development will also include a 350‑room luxury hotel within the terminal complex, a major cargo terminal, and an aircraft maintenance facility with the capacity to handle up to 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.
The airport will be directly connected to Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport through dedicated high‑speed rail and road networks, ensuring seamless movement of passengers and cargo.
Designed as more than a national asset, the Bishoftu airport city is expected to serve as a continental aviation and logistics hub.
It is also anticipated to strengthen Africa’s economic integration and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing trade, investment, and business connectivity across the region.
The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, accelerate regional development, and stimulate growth in key sectors such as trade, industry, and tourism.
Ethiopian Airlines emphasized that Bishoftu International Airport will play a critical role in positioning Africa as a competitive global player in aviation and logistics.