A new chapter in African aviation has begun with the launch of Bishoftu International Airport, a groundbreaking project in Ethiopia that aims to become Africa’s largest airport and a key hub for global air travel. Located just southeast of Addis Ababa, this mega-infrastructure will transform the region into a central gateway for passengers and cargo, positioning Ethiopia as one of the continent’s top aviation powerhouses.
The Vision Behind Bishoftu International Airport
Ethiopia’s government and Ethiopian Airlines Group have long recognized the growing demand for air travel across Africa. The country’s current main airport — Addis Ababa Bole International Airport — is already operating near capacity, handling millions of passengers annually. To meet future demand and strengthen its role in the global air network, Ethiopia has set its sights on Bishoftu, a fast-developing town roughly 45 kilometres from the capital.
With an estimated cost of $12.5 billion, Bishoftu International Airport is the largest aviation infrastructure investment ever undertaken in Africa. It’s designed to handle up to 110 million passengers per year once fully operational, surpassing current continental leaders like Johannesburg’s OR Tambo and Cairo International Airport.
Groundbreaking Ceremony and Strategic Location
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 10, 2026, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior officials from Ethiopian Airlines. The choice of Bishoftu is both strategic and symbolic. Situated within driving distance from Addis Ababa, the location offers the flat terrain and open space necessary for large-scale construction, while allowing for seamless highway and rail connectivity to the capital and beyond.
The town itself is also part of Ethiopia’s growing industrial corridor, meaning the new airport will support not just passengers but also cargo, logistics, and manufacturing activities tied to regional and international trade.
Design, Capacity, and Future Expansion
In its first phase, Bishoftu International Airport will include two parallel runways and a world-class terminal with capacity for around 60 million passengers per year. This will already make it one of the top ten busiest airports globally. The full master plan envisions expansion to four runways, extensive cargo zones, maintenance facilities, and parking for over 250 aircraft.
The design emphasizes sustainability and modernity — incorporating energy-efficient architecture, abundant natural light, and integrated digital systems to streamline passenger movement and cargo processing. When completed, the terminal will feature high-end lounges, shopping areas, and hospitality zones rivaling major airports in Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha.
Ethiopian Airlines: The Driving Force
At the heart of the project is Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier. The airline, which already operates flights to more than 130 destinations worldwide, sees Bishoftu as a critical step toward achieving its 2035 growth strategy. The new hub will allow it to expand its fleet, add new international routes, and strengthen its dominance as the continent’s leading airline.
According to Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, the Bishoftu airport is not just about capacity — it’s about positioning Ethiopia as a true connector between continents. “This project will transform our country into a global aviation centre, serving Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia with unmatched efficiency,” he said during the groundbreaking event.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
One of the most exciting outcomes of the new airport will be its effect on tourism and economic growth. Ethiopia is home to UNESCO-listed sites such as Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and the Omo Valley, yet visitor numbers have historically been limited by flight accessibility. With Bishoftu International Airport, travelers will have easier, faster connections, potentially doubling the country’s tourist arrivals within a few years of opening.
Beyond tourism, the airport will serve as a logistics hub for African exports — from coffee and flowers to industrial goods — by offering modern cargo facilities that can process thousands of tonnes daily. This will enable Ethiopian businesses to participate more actively in global trade networks and help drive regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Job Creation and Infrastructure Development
The Bishoftu project is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs during construction and operation. Skilled workers, engineers, architects, and service providers are being recruited to support the airport’s ambitious timeline. Once operational, it will sustain employment in aviation, hospitality, retail, and logistics, providing long-term economic benefits for local communities.
In parallel, supporting infrastructure such as new roads, expressways, and light-rail links are under planning to connect Bishoftu directly with Addis Ababa and other regional centres. This integrated transport ecosystem will make the new airport a vital part of Ethiopia’s national development plan.
Environmental and Technological Innovations
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the airport’s master plan. The design team aims to meet international green building standards through features like energy-efficient terminals, renewable energy integration, and water-recycling systems. The airport will also leverage smart technologies — including automated check-ins, advanced baggage handling, and digital air-traffic systems — to ensure seamless passenger flow and operational excellence.
These advancements not only reduce the airport’s carbon footprint but also position it as a model for sustainable aviation infrastructure in Africa.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite strong momentum, large-scale projects of this nature inevitably face challenges. Financing remains a complex process, involving both government funds and international lenders. Construction schedules could also be affected by global supply chain disruptions or inflationary pressures. Still, Ethiopian authorities remain optimistic, citing strong domestic capability and steady international support as key factors for success.
Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport is projected to become a continental game-changer — reshaping Africa’s air connectivity, creating millions of indirect jobs, and supporting Ethiopia’s broader industrialisation goals.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Africa’s Ambition
The rise of Africa’s largest airport at Bishoftu is more than a national project — it’s a continental milestone. As construction progresses toward completion in the next decade, the airport represents Africa’s growing confidence, innovation, and determination to lead in global aviation. From its cutting-edge design to its strategic purpose, Bishoftu International Airport embodies the future of travel — built in Africa, for the world.
