Tourism Minister: Bishoftu Airport to Transform Ethiopia’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors

Addis Ababa, January 10, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister, Ms. Selamawit Kassa, emphasized the significance of the newly launched Bishoftu International Airport as a major boost for the country’s tourism sector.

The Minister, who attended the official launch alongside other senior government officials, described the airport as “Our Gateway to the Skies,” echoing the Prime Minister’s remarks on the project.

Ms. Selamawit noted that Ethiopian Airlines, a source of national pride and a symbol of 80 years of institutional excellence, is at the heart of the airport initiative. The Bishoftu International Airport, she said, is a massive infrastructure project that will enhance Ethiopia’s connectivity and global standing in air transport.

The Minister highlighted that the airport will have a capacity to serve up to 60 million passengers in its first phase, with plans to expand to over 110 million passengers in the second phase.

She stressed the strong link between air transport and tourism, noting that this mega-project represents a milestone for Ethiopia’s tourism development and a strategic step toward attracting more international visitors.