Ethiopian Airlines Begins $12.5 Billion Bishoftu Airport Project, Set to Become Africa’s Largest Aviation Hub by 2030
Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched construction of a new $12.5 billion international airport, a landmark infrastructure project set to become the largest aviation hub in Africa upon its completion in 2030.
The state-owned carrier broke ground on the project on Saturday in Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometres south-east of Addis Ababa.
The Bishoftu International Airport is designed to feature four runways, parking facilities for up to 270 aircraft, and a projected annual passenger capacity of 110 million, positioning it among the world’s largest airports.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described the development as “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.” He noted that the new airport will have more than four times the capacity of Bole International Airport, Ethiopia’s current primary gateway, which is expected to reach full capacity within the next two to three years.
Ethiopian Airlines has been awarded the contract to design the airport and will finance approximately 30 per cent of the total project cost, with the remaining funding to be secured from international lenders.
The African Development Bank has already committed $500 million and is spearheading efforts to mobilise up to $8.7 billion from global financial institutions.
According to Abraham Tesfaye, Infrastructure Development and Planning Director at Ethiopian Airlines, the airline has allocated $610 million for earthworks, which are expected to be completed within one year. Main construction contractors are scheduled to commence work in August 2026.
Originally estimated at $10 billion, the project has generated strong interest from lenders across the Middle East, Europe, China and the United States, reflecting broad international confidence in Ethiopia’s aviation growth strategy.
Ethiopian Airlines remains Africa’s largest airline and continues to expand its footprint, having added six new routes during the 2024/25 financial year, alongside sustained revenue growth and network expansion.
