On January 10, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines officially commenced construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a US$12.5 billion project set to become Africa’s largest airport. The new airport site is in Bishoftu, Oromia Region, roughly 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, and is scheduled for initial completion by 2030.
Inside Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport Project
The airport is planned as a multi-phase development. In Phase I, it will feature four runways and infrastructure to serve up to 60 million passengers annually. Once fully developed, Bishoftu will handle around 110 million passengers per year and provide parking for up to 270 aircraft, significantly exceeding the capacity of Ethiopia’s existing main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Africa’s Largest Airport © Ethiopian Airlines
Architectural and Design Leadership
The design and technical master planning for Bishoftu International Airport is being overseen by a consortium of international firms:
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants is leading technical advisory and master planning.
Sidara Group is responsible for the detailed architectural and technical design of major facilities, including the passenger terminal, runways, cargo hubs, and aviation support zones.
Zaha Hadid Architects is contributing design expertise to key architectural elements to ensure the airport meets global standards.
These firms bring experience from major global aviation and infrastructure projects, ensuring the airport’s layout and buildings meet world-class operational, safety, and passenger experience benchmarks.
Terminal and Infrastructure Design
The terminal design accommodates a large passenger flow from the outset, with approximately 1.1 million m² of terminal space in Phase I. The master plan also includes:
Cargo terminals exceeding 100,000 m² to support air freight growth.
Dedicated airline support areas and logistics facilities.
Infrastructure to support expansion into an airport city with commercial and service zones, hotels, and related transit infrastructure.
Future provisions for additional runways and support facilities are aligned with demand growth.
Ethiopian Airlines Begins Construction of Bishoftu International Airport © REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
Construction and Implementation
Construction activities began with site preparation and earthworks, supported by a financing model where Ethiopian Airlines funds about 30% of the project and international lenders, including the African Development Bank, cover the remainder.
© Ethiopian Airlines
The project timeline has been structured so that preliminary earthworks are expected to finish within a year, with major construction activities moving forward from mid-2026. This phased approach allows essential infrastructure to come online while later components are built.
Strategic Importance
Bishoftu International Airport is designed to relieve pressure on the existing Addis Ababa hub, which is nearing capacity limits, and to position Ethiopia as a major African and intercontinental aviation gateway. Beyond passenger services, the project is expected to support cargo growth, create jobs, and boost trade and tourism across Africa.