Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Ethiopian Airlines and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Unveil Groundbreaking $12.5 Billion Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia, Set to Become Africa’s Premier Gateway to Global Aviation
Published on
January 11, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
On January 10, 2026, Ethiopia marked a historic day in aviation as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew officially laid the cornerstone for the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion project that is set to transform the African aviation landscape. Positioned to be the largest and most advanced airport on the continent, the airport will be a pivotal gateway not just for Ethiopia, but for the entire African continent. This mega project is designed to tackle the growing pressures on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is approaching capacity limits and is expected to reach full capacity within the next two years.
What is Bishoftu International Airport?
Bishoftu International Airport, located about 40-45 kilometers from Addis Ababa, is a highly ambitious project that will set new standards in global aviation. Upon completion, the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, which is more than four times the capacity of the current Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. This makes it comparable to some of the busiest global hubs like Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Istanbul Airport (IST) in terms of capacity.
The airport will feature four parallel runways, with the first phase, expected to be completed by 2029/2030, launching with two runways. The aircraft parking stands will also be a significant feature, with the airport able to accommodate up to 270 aircraft simultaneously, which will allow for smooth operations and efficient turnaround times.
Phases of Development: A Strategic Rollout
The Bishoftu International Airport project is being rolled out in phases to ensure that it can begin alleviating traffic and congestion as soon as possible. The first phase, which targets completion around 2029/2030, will include the construction of a 1.1 million square meter passenger terminal designed to handle up to 60 million passengers annually. The second phase will focus on further terminal expansions and the addition of more runways, ultimately increasing the airport’s capacity to 110 million passengers per year.
This phased approach is critical as it allows the airport to begin operations even before full completion, thus providing much-needed relief to Addis Ababa’s current airport infrastructure, which is rapidly nearing its operational limits.
Beyond the Runways: The Airport City Concept
The Bishoftu International Airport is not just about runways and terminals; it is part of a broader “Airport City” concept designed to stimulate urban and economic growth. This innovative concept aims to create an integrated hub that will support not only aviation but also commerce, logistics, and tourism.
Key Features of the Airport City:
Logistics Hub: The airport will have a cargo terminal capable of handling up to 1.5 million tonnes of goods annually, making Ethiopia a central player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is expected to significantly boost the country’s trade capacity and position Ethiopia as a logistics hub for the continent.Transportation Infrastructure: A 38-kilometer high-speed railway will connect the airport to central Addis Ababa. Trains will operate at speeds of 120-200 km/h, reducing travel time between the airport and the capital from the current 45–60 minutes to just 20-25 minutes. This rail system will be integrated with the existing Addis Ababa Light Rail, facilitating smooth transfers throughout the city.Smart Highway: In addition to the rail link, a modern, multi-lane smart highway will be built to connect the airport to Addis Ababa, designed to ease congestion and enable high-capacity flow with smart traffic management systems. Estimated driving time will be 35-45 minutes, significantly improving connectivity to the airport.Amenities and Recreation: The airport city will also feature a luxury hotel with 350 rooms inside the terminal complex, along with a shopping mall, industrial park, and an aircraft maintenance hub. For passengers with layovers, the location’s proximity to Bishoftu’s crater lakes means that travelers will be able to take guided “micro-tours” of the area during their stopovers without leaving the airport.Funding and Global Support for the Project
The $12.5 billion price tag for Bishoftu International Airport marks a significant investment in Ethiopia’s future. Originally projected at $10 billion, the cost has been revised as the scope of the project has expanded. Ethiopian Airlines is contributing 30% of the funding, with the African Development Bank (AfDB) playing a key role in financing, contributing $500 million. The AfDB is also coordinating nearly $9 billion in further financing from international lenders in the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA.
This global financial backing demonstrates the broad international support for Ethiopia’s ambition to become a central hub for air travel and trade on the African continent.
How Will This Change Travel and Connectivity?
The Bishoftu International Airport is not only poised to serve as a major aviation hub but will also drastically improve travel times and connectivity, both domestically and internationally.
Improved Transit Times:
The high-speed rail system will be a game-changer, reducing the time it takes to travel between Addis Ababa and the new airport to 20–25 minutes. This is a stark improvement over the current 45–60 minute drive.The smart highway will also provide a faster, more direct route, bypassing traffic bottlenecks and cutting travel time for those using cars or shuttles to the airport.
Seamless Transfers and Stopover Amenities:
The airport’s design aims to handle 95% of Ethiopia’s international air traffic, with a target for passengers to connect between flights in under 45 minutes, making it one of the fastest transfer systems in the world. For long layovers, the integrated luxury hotel and recreational activities will make it easy for travelers to relax or explore the nearby natural wonders.
Timeline and Future Prospects
The project’s first phase is expected to be completed by 2029/2030, with the first two runways and high-speed rail link becoming operational by this time. Full completion, which will include all four runways and additional terminal expansions, is expected to occur in the years following.
Once finished, the Bishoftu International Airport will officially replace Bole International Airport as the primary entry point for international visitors to Ethiopia, solidifying the country’s position as a central hub for both aviation and logistics in Africa.
Conclusion: A New Era for African Aviation
The Bishoftu International Airport project is set to reshape the future of African aviation. With a focus on capacity, efficiency, and connectivity, this airport will not only serve Ethiopia but will become a gateway for the entire continent. The integration of advanced infrastructure, including high-speed rail, smart highways, and state-of-the-art amenities, ensures that Bishoftu International Airport will be a world-class travel hub, positioning Ethiopia at the forefront of global aviation for years to come.
