Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Ethiopia Joins Vietnam, India, and the Philippines with Major New Airport Projects Set to Transform Global Air Travel by 2026
Published on
January 20, 2026
As the world’s aviation sector continues to grow, new airport projects are emerging in key regions, with several scheduled to open or commence partial operations in 2026. These new facilities are set to enhance global connectivity, accommodate rising passenger numbers, and fuel economic growth across their respective regions. Some of the most ambitious and transformative airport developments currently underway are in Ethiopia, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines. This article delves into these major projects, exploring their capacity, projected impact, and development timelines.
Bishoftu International Airport – Ethiopia
Bishoftu International Airport near Addis Ababa is set to become Africa’s largest new airport upon completion. The project, which has officially commenced construction, is expected to serve as a significant international hub for African aviation. Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading this ambitious project in partnership with the Ethiopian government.
Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, with facilities designed to accommodate 270 aircraft. This landmark development will position Ethiopia as a central player in global aviation, particularly within Africa, which is increasingly becoming a major air travel market. The airport’s design will reflect the nation’s cultural and environmental elements, incorporating regional aesthetics while focusing on efficiency and sustainability.
Phases of construction will unfold over the next several years, with the first phase slated to be operational by 2030. This project is being hailed as a game-changer for African aviation and is expected to create significant economic opportunities, boost tourism, and drive new job creation both within the aviation sector and beyond.
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Long Thanh International Airport – Vietnam
Long Thanh International Airport, located near Ho Chi Minh City, is another major infrastructure project in Southeast Asia. This new airport will replace the overcrowded Tan Son Nhat International Airport and cater to the growing demand for air travel in Vietnam. Construction is nearing completion, with the airport scheduled to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2026.
The airport is being built in phases, with the initial capacity expected to be modest, handling a few million passengers annually, growing significantly as additional phases are completed. Long Thanh will eventually be able to accommodate up to 100 million passengers per year, making it one of the largest airports in the region. The first phase will include two runways and one terminal, while future phases will further expand the facility’s capacity to handle both international and domestic flights.
This airport will serve as a major gateway between Vietnam and the rest of Asia and Europe, further boosting the country’s position in global aviation. The project will not only ease congestion at Tan Son Nhat but also stimulate economic growth by enhancing trade and tourism.
Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) – India
India’s Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is set to become a crucial part of the National Capital Region’s transportation infrastructure. Scheduled for international operations in 2026, this airport will provide much-needed capacity and relieve congestion at the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
The first phase of the airport’s construction, which will open with domestic flights in 2025, will handle roughly 12 million passengers per year. The airport is projected to have a capacity of 12 million in its first phase and eventually grow to handle up to 12 million international travelers annually by 2026. It is expected to become one of India’s busiest airports, supporting the country’s growing aviation market and serving as a hub for international connectivity between South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
In addition to expanding passenger capacity, Noida International Airport will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, bringing in job opportunities in logistics, commerce, and tourism. This airport is poised to be a significant driver of regional economic development and has already become a focal point of urban planning around Noida and Greater Noida.
Dholera International Airport – India
Located in the state of Gujarat, Dholera International Airport is another major infrastructure project in India, which is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. The first phase of the airport’s construction will include one runway and a terminal capable of handling around 12 million passengers annually.
Dholera is positioned as a critical gateway for the Gujarat region, contributing to its rapid economic growth. The airport will help serve the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), an area earmarked for industrial and commercial growth, and is expected to further boost tourism and trade in the region.
In the long term, Dholera is planned to expand its capacity and will become a key international airport for the western part of India. Its proximity to major cities like Ahmedabad and Surat will make it a vital transport hub for both domestic and international travel.
New Manila International Airport – Philippines
In the Philippines, the New Manila International Airport project is well underway, with construction expected to progress in the next few years. This airport will relieve congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has become increasingly overcrowded as the country’s air travel demand continues to rise.
The New Manila International Airport will be located in Bulacan, about 35 kilometers north of Manila, and is expected to have four runways capable of handling up to 100 million passengers annually. While the airport is currently in the development stages, it is projected to become operational in 2027 or later, depending on the completion of the initial phases.
Once open, it will be a major regional hub, connecting the Philippines to global markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The new airport will help boost tourism and trade, positioning the Philippines as a stronger player in the global aviation market.
King Salman International Airport – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in its aviation sector with the development of the King Salman International Airport, which is being built near Riyadh. This mega-project is designed to handle up to 120 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest airport developments worldwide. The project is still under construction, with phased openings planned for the coming years, but it is not expected to open in 2026.
When complete, King Salman International Airport will serve as a major international gateway, facilitating increased tourism flows to Saudi Arabia, particularly with the country’s focus on expanding its tourism industry as part of the Vision 2030 plan. This airport is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports.
Summary of New Airports Expected in 2026Airport NameCountryStatus for 2026Bishoftu International AirportEthiopiaConstruction began in 2026Long Thanh International AirportVietnamExpected commercial opening in 2026Noida International AirportIndiaInternational operations planned 2026Dholera International AirportIndiaFirst phase expected 2025–26
These new airports will reshape global aviation, enhance regional connectivity, and drive economic growth in their respective regions. From Africa to Asia, the transformation of air travel is on the horizon, with these major projects set to improve not only travel capacity but also economic opportunities worldwide.
