Ethiopia breaks ground on mega airport project

Ethiopia is developing a new mega hub alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is approaching its capacity of 25 million passengers annually.

In a post on X on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), located 40 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, would become the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history.

State-owned Ethiopian Airlines was awarded the $12.5 billion construction project, which will feature a four-runway airport as well as capacity to park 270 airplanes.

"The first phase of the airport will handle 60 million passengers per year, with an ultimate master plan capacity of 110 million passengers annually, placing Ethiopia among the world's top aviation hubs," Abiy said during the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The new airport is central to Ethiopia's broader economic reforms and long-term aviation strategy. The project will equally enhance Ethiopian Airlines' global competitiveness and improve connectivity across Africa.

BIA will serve as a key hub for both origin-destination and transit passengers, offering ideal conditions for aircraft operations.

Once completed, the project is expected to drive growth in trade, tourism, and regional integration, reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a leading intercontinental air transport gateway.