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Construction has officially begun in Ethiopia on what is set to become Africa’s largest airport, marking one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects on the continent.
The new airport, located in Bishoftu, about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, was formally launched after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid a ceremonial foundation plaque at the site. Once completed, the facility is expected to transform Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s leading air transport hub.
Planned to reach full capacity by 2030, the airport will be capable of handling up to 110 million passengers annually, more than four times the capacity of Addis Ababa’s current main airport, Bole International Airport, which manages around 25 million passengers per year and is projected to reach saturation within the next three years.
With an estimated cost of $12.5 billion, the project will feature four runways, parking for up to 270 aircraft, and advanced passenger and cargo handling facilities. The development represents the largest aviation infrastructure investment ever undertaken in Africa.
In a statement shared on X, Prime Minister Abiy described the initiative as part of a “multi-airport strategy” designed to future‑proof Ethiopia’s aviation sector. He said the project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance intra‑African connectivity, and expand trade and tourism corridors linking Africa to global markets.
The Bishoftu airport will be supported by major transport infrastructure, including a multi‑lane motorway connecting it to Addis Ababa and a 38‑kilometer high‑speed railway capable of speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.
Funding for the project is being provided through a combination of Ethiopian Airlines, international financiers, and the African Development Bank, reflecting strong institutional confidence in Ethiopia’s long‑term aviation and economic outlook.
Despite ongoing security challenges in parts of Amhara and Oromia regions, Ethiopian authorities remain optimistic that the project will help attract international tourism, boost trade, and reinforce the country’s status as a continental gateway.
When completed, the Bishoftu airport is expected to redefine Africa’s aviation landscape and serve as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s broader economic transformation agenda.
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