Ethiopia commences the construction of $12.5B Bishoftu Mega Airport

The Bishoftu airport project represents a strategic investment in Ethiopia’s long-term aviation, trade, and industrial ambitions. The airport is estimated cost $12.5 billion (approx. KSh 1.6 trillion). It is owned and being developed by Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and fastest-growing carrier. Once fully completed, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers annually thus positioning Ethiopia among the world’s top aviation hubs as well as reinforcing its role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.

Bishoftu Airport : Adoption of aviation-optimised design

Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) is being constructed at an altitude of 1,910 metres above sea level, a factor aviation experts identify as highly favourable for aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability. The site’s elevation and geography support efficient handling of both long-haul wide-body aircraft and high-frequency regional operations.

Its location which is just 40 kilometres from Addis Ababa ensures seamless integration with the capital city and the country’s existing aviation ecosystem. The airport is designed to complement Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is approaching its expanded annual capacity of 25 million passengers.

To sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global network, a new mega hub is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually. This multi-airport strategy aims to future-proof Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway,” Abiy Ahmed stated on X on January 10, 2026.

According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the development of BIA is central to Ethiopia’s multi-airport strategy, aimed at sustaining rapid aviation growth while avoiding capacity bottlenecks at Bole.

Phased development and capacity expansion

The Bishoftu International Airport will be developed through a phased construction approach, allowing for early operational capacity while supporting long-term expansion.

Initial project phase: This shall entail annual passenger capacity of 60 million and Aircraft accommodation of up to 270 aircraft. As well, the infrastructure components incorporates four runways, A 1.1 million square metre passenger terminal, Advanced baggage handling and passenger processing systems, dedicated cargo and logistics facilities.

Ultimate master-plan phase: This phase will encompass passenger capacity of 110 million annually; cargo capacity: 3.73 million tonnes per year and the status will be the largest airport in Africa by capacity The scale of the airport places it among the largest aviation hubs worldwide, designed to handle both origin-destination traffic and high volumes of transit passengers.

Integrated transport connectivity

To support efficient access and intermodal integration, the Bishoftu airport project includes major transport infrastructure investments: A multi-lane express highway connecting the airport directly to Addis Ababa. A 38-kilometre high-speed railway, designed to operate at speeds between 120 and 200 kilometres per hour. Seamless integration with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to support coordinated airport operations. These transport links are intended to reduce travel times, improve passenger flow, and enhance the airport’s role as a regional and intercontinental transit hub.

BIA is a bedrock of Ethiopia’s national economic reform programme, industrialisation agenda, and long-term aviation strategy. The airport will play a critical role in facilitating air cargo, high-value exports, tourism growth, and cross-border business activity across the continent. The project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic and strategic benefits, including but not limited to:

• Strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness;

• Enhancing Africa’s connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);

• Expanding trade, tourism, and logistics corridors across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas;

• Positioning Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental aviation hub.

The Bishoftu project is a key pillar of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which outlines ambitious growth targets, including: Fleet expansion from 145 to approximately 270 aircraft; Increase in international destinations from 133 to 207; Significant growth in passenger and cargo volumes; Expanded global partnerships and hub connectivity. The new airport is designed to support these targets by providing sufficient runway capacity, terminal space, and operational resilience for long-term expansion.

Supporting infrastructure and energy security

The airport development coincides with Ethiopia’s broader infrastructure transformation. In September 2025, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 5,150 megawatts.

The dam has doubled national electricity output including expanded power access to rural communities and industrial zones. It has also enabled electricity exports to neighbouring countries as well as supported electric vehicle adoption and industrial growth.

To mitigate climate and drought risks, Ethiopia is also expanding solar, wind, and geothermal energy projects, ensuring reliable and sustainable power for mega infrastructure developments such as Bishoftu International Airport.

Project timeline, financing and implementation

Preparatory work for the airport has already been completed, including community resettlement programmes; farmer relocation and land acquisition; site readiness and preliminary engineering. Financing arrangements are being finalized with the African Development Bank expected to facilitate a substantial portion of the funding, alongside Ethiopian Airlines’ own investment.

Bishoftu airport key milestones

Early works commenced on November 2025. The main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts begins on October 2026. The commercial operations is expected to begin in 2030 and full completion targeted at the end of 2030.

Ethiopia’s launch of the Bishoftu Mega International Airport highlights its determination to lead Africa in large-scale infrastructure development. Whilst neighbouring countries such as Kenya have announced plans to expand aviation infrastructure, Ethiopia’s project demonstrates decisive execution and long-term strategic planning.

Accordingly, comparable investments in Kenya could similarly: Boost air transport capacity; improve passenger handling efficiency; decongest Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has faced capacity and infrastructure challenges. However, Bishoftu International Airport currently stands as the most ambitious aviation infrastructure project ever undertaken on the African continent.

Bishoftu Airport is more than an airport—it is a strategic national asset designed to reshape Ethiopia’s role in global aviation, trade, and economic integration. As Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project in history, it aligns with Ethiopia’s economic reforms, industrial expansion, and long-term vision to become a leading intercontinental hub. Once operational, the airport is expected to redefine air travel and logistics across Africa, strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ dominance including positioning Ethiopia at the centre of global air connectivity for decades to come.