Construction of what is expected to be Africa’s largest airport has begun in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometres south of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
Upon opening, the new $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to serve up to 60 million passengers per annum.
However, further phases will grow its capacity to in excess of 110 million passengers annually, with the airport eventually boasting four runways and parking for 270 aircraft.
According to the Ethiopian Airlines Group which is bankrolling its construction, the gateway will ensure that Ethiopia is able to meet IATA’s regional growth forecasts for passenger demand.
It is also being claimed that the project will optimise Ethiopia’s position at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and the Middle East with a global transportation hub for the 21st century.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, who laid the cornerstone at the airport’s groundbreaking ceremony, stated: “Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history, more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport which will reach its limits on existing traffic in the next two to three years.”
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to meet Ethiopian Airlines’ future passenger demand and operational needs, the airport will become Africa’s global aviation hub, providing facilities of the highest standard with a strong focus on transferring passengers.
With up to 80% of passengers transiting between destinations without leaving the airport, Bishoftu International Airport will contain “extensive amenities for transiting passengers” that will include a 350-room airside hotel.
According to Zaha Hadid Architects, each of the terminal’s piers incorporates a unique interior materiality and colour palette to reflect the diverse regions of Ethiopia.
Said to be inspired by the Great Rift Valley that passes near Bishoftu as it crosses through the country, a single central spine connects the terminal’s facilities and aircraft piers with the aim of minimising transfer distances and ensuring connecting passengers can easily navigate to their next departure gate.
Its location almost 400m lower than Addis Ababa’s existing Bole Airport and longer runways should enhance aircraft performance, enabling Ethiopian Airlines to optimise the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of their modern fleet of aircraft.
Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata, Zaha Hadid Architects’ director of aviation, said: “Bishoftu International Airport is a visionary project for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. Airports bring people together and bridge national divides.
“ZHA is honoured to be part its development—connecting every region of the continent as Africa’s global gateway”
Situated within the temperate subtropical highland climate of Ethiopia’s Oromia region, the airport’s passenger terminal is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification.
It will be naturally ventilated with effective solar shading and will include semi-enclosed spaces and outdoor areas for transferring passengers to enjoy the region’s warm summers and mild winters.
Constructed using modular fabrication and assembly to ensure flexibility and cost-effective efficiency, its procurement will incorporate concrete, aggregates and steel that have been produced or recycled locally in Bishoftu.
Stormwater from the airport’s runways, taxiways and aprons – as well as the roofs of the passenger terminal and cargo buildings – will be channelled into new wetlands and bioswales for storage and reuse while also enhancing the airport’s local biodiversity.
Photovoltaic arrays installed throughout the airport campus will enable on-site energy production. The new airport will also boast landside public parks for local residents and airside gardens for passengers.
The hugely ambitious project support Ethiopian Airlines’ ‘Vision 2035’ strategy to become a leading global aviation group offering passenger, cargo, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services with a focus on technology and efficiency.