Home » Airline News In Africa » Ethiopian Airlines Breaks Ground on Bishoftu International Airport, Set to Boost African Tourism and Connectivity

Published on
January 13, 2026

Ethiopian Airlines Group officially began construction on the highly anticipated Bishoftu International Airport. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal moment for Ethiopia’s aviation industry and tourism sector. The new airport is set to enhance Ethiopia’s role as a key player in African tourism and regional connectivity.

With the support of Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, senior government officials, industry experts, and Ethiopian Airlines executives, the event was a powerful display of Ethiopia’s vision for the future of air travel in Africa.

The airport’s development will directly impact Ethiopia’s tourism sector, transforming its ability to handle a growing influx of international visitors. Ethiopian Airlines, already a leader in African aviation, is betting big on this project to make Ethiopia a central hub for tourism in Africa.

Project Phases and Capacity: The Future of African Aviation

The airport’s construction is slated to be completed in phases, with Phase 1 expected to be ready by 2030. This first phase will have the capacity to serve 60 million passengers annually. The complete airport, when fully operational, is projected to accommodate 110 million passengers per year, putting Ethiopia on the map as a leading aviation and tourism hub in Africa.

This ambitious infrastructure project is designed to relieve the growing capacity pressure at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has faced increasing challenges in handling rising passenger traffic. The Bishoftu International Airport is poised to be the main international gateway for Ethiopia, with long-term benefits for tourism growth.

Strategic Location and Economic Growth

Located 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, in the Oromia Region, Bishoftu was carefully chosen as the site for this future-forward airport. The new location is set to play a vital role in boosting tourism and trade within the African continent and beyond. The project aligns with the African Union’s vision to create a more interconnected continent, leveraging air travel to promote economic integration.

The airport’s development will enhance Ethiopia’s connectivity to global markets, making it a gateway for travelers and businesses alike. For tourists, the proximity of Bishoftu International Airport to Addis Ababa’s historical and cultural sites makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the country’s rich heritage, further bolstering Ethiopia’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Design, Community Impact, and Tourism Benefits

At the groundbreaking event, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled the design for the airport, which includes four runways and ample space for up to 270 aircraft. The airport will not only cater to passenger traffic but will also have significant cargo handling capabilities. Additionally, the project will include an airport city, complete with hotels, shopping, and recreational spaces, contributing to the broader tourism experience.

Before construction began, resettlement and livelihood restoration programs were completed to ensure that local communities are supported throughout the process. The project also includes sustainable development practices, which will preserve Ethiopia’s natural beauty, an important consideration for eco-tourism initiatives.

Comments from Leadership: A New Era for African Aviation

According to Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for African aviation. He described Bishoftu International Airport as a transformative development for both Ethiopian Airlines and the African aviation industry as a whole.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed echoed these sentiments, calling the groundbreaking event a milestone in Ethiopia’s development. He emphasized that the airport reflects Ethiopia’s resilience and commitment to boosting its economy through improved infrastructure, which will ultimately benefit the tourism industry.

Project Scale: The Largest Aviation Infrastructure in Africa

The Bishoftu International Airport is one of Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure projects. The total investment in the project is estimated at US$12.5 billion, much larger than previously anticipated. This investment reflects the scale and ambition of the project, which will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s ability to cater to a global market of travelers.

With four state-of-the-art runways, the airport will be capable of handling large volumes of both passenger and cargo traffic. Furthermore, the addition of the airport city will create a comprehensive tourism experience, offering facilities that meet the needs of travelers, businesses, and tourists.

Why It Matters for Tourism

The Bishoftu International Airport is a game-changer for Ethiopia’s tourism sector. The new airport will provide a major boost to Ethiopia’s tourism industry, which has been steadily growing over the past few years. As Ethiopia continues to expand its appeal to international tourists, this airport will help the country manage an increasing flow of visitors.

Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient landmarks such as Lalibela, Axum, and Addis Ababa’s National Museum attracting travelers from around the world. With the new airport in place, Ethiopia will be able to offer tourists a seamless, efficient, and pleasant travel experience, making it easier for visitors to explore these incredible sites.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is also a driving force behind the project, enhancing trade and tourism across Africa. Ethiopia’s strategic location as a transportation hub will bring greater economic integration, benefitting neighboring countries and increasing regional tourism flow.

Ethiopia’s Bright Future as a Tourism Hub

The Bishoftu International Airport is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a bold step toward Ethiopia’s future as a global aviation and tourism hub. The new airport will support economic growth, create job opportunities, and offer a state-of-the-art gateway for travelers. It will enable Ethiopian Airlines to continue its mission of making Ethiopia a vital link in the African and global tourism landscape.

As the project moves forward, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to lead Africa’s aviation and tourism revolution, with Bishoftu International Airport serving as a symbol of progress, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future for Ethiopian tourism.