Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport: A New Era for African Aviation
Addis Ababa, January 10, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s ambitious Bishoftu International Airport project continues to take shape as a transformative aviation and economic infrastructure initiative designed to reposition the nation as a leading global air transport hub.
Today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the construction of the airport, laying the cornerstone for the $10 billion mega project and marking the commencement of physical works.
Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa at Abusera, the new airport is planned to relieve capacity constraints at Bole International Airport while accommodating future growth in passenger and cargo traffic. The project reflects a strategic shift toward large‑scale aviation infrastructure that enhances connectivity, trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Phased Development and Capacity
The airport will be developed in multiple phases to match long‑term demand growth and operational requirements. The first phase is set to accommodate approximately 60 million passengers annually, with plans for expansion to 110 million passengers per year once fully completed — making it one of the largest airports in Africa by passenger capacity.
Official project documents further specify that the facility will ultimately include multiple runways, extensive terminal space covering over a million square meters, and support infrastructure for both passenger and cargo operations. In addition to passenger handling, the airport is designed to manage significant cargo volumes, with eventual throughput estimated at up to 3.73 million tons annually.
Financing and Partnerships
The African Development Bank (AfDB) plays a central role in the airport’s financing. In August 2025, Ethiopian Airlines Group and the AfDB signed a mandate agreement appointing the Bank as the Mandated Lead Arranger to mobilize financing for the project. Under the agreement, AfDB committed to providing $500 million, subject to board approval, and to lead the effort to raise the remaining capital needed from global financiers.
The overall cost of the airport project is estimated at $10 billion, with a combination of development financing, commercial loans, and institutional investment expected to support its implementation.
Design, Capacity, and Development Timeline
The airport’s master plan includes multiple runways, extensive passenger terminals, cargo handling facilities, and integrated support infrastructure. Plans also include an Airport City with hotels, business parks, logistics operations, and transport linkages to Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines leadership has noted that international flight operations are expected to begin by 2030, with the first phase operational by late 2029, aligning with the airline’s long-term Vision 2040 strategic roadmap.
Regional and Economic Impact
Officials emphasize that the airport will not only expand aviation capacity but also spur economic growth through job creation, increased trade and tourism, and stronger integration with continental transport corridors, in line with frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As construction begins following today’s official launch by the Head of Government, the Bishoftu International Airport project stands out as a flagship national infrastructure investment that will elevate Ethiopia’s strategic position in global aviation and contribute to sustainable economic development for decades to come.