Ethiopia Breaks Ground on Bishoftu Mega-Airport: Africa's New $12.5 Billion Hub

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has officially begun construction on a massive new air travel facility. The $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) project broke ground on January 10, 2026. This development is positioned to become the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history.

BIA is located near the town of Bishoftu, approximately 40 to 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. The project is a greenfield development. It is designed to significantly expand Ethiopia's role as a major global transit hub.

Project Scale and Capacity Goals

Phase One of the Bishoftu International Airport is targeted for completion by 2030. This initial phase aims for an annual passenger capacity of 60 million. When fully operational, the Ethiopia mega airport project is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually. This capacity would be more than four times the current main gateway.

The airport plans include four parallel runways. It will also feature extensive passenger terminals and large-scale cargo facilities. The design allows for aircraft parking capacity for up to 270 planes. The facility is being configured to host the largest wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380.

Addressing Infrastructure Pressure

This major investment addresses critical capacity issues at the current hub. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has been operating near its maximum limits. Bole International Airport has an annual capacity of about 22 million passengers. Officials predict the existing infrastructure will reach its maximum operational limits within the next few years.

Growth has been driven by the rapid expansion of Ethiopian Airlines. The national flag carrier is Africa's largest airline by revenue and fleet size. The new airport is intended to relieve this pressure. It will allow Ethiopia to capture a greater share of long-haul transit traffic.

Strategic Importance and Industry Impact

Ethiopian Airlines is leading the overall design and partial financing. The airline's CEO, Mesfin Tasew, stated the project is a major step toward addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the project's alignment with national economic reforms.

• Global Competitiveness: The BIA project is designed to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines' global position.
• Continental Connectivity: It will enhance Africa's connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
• Economic Corridor: The new hub is expected to expand trade and tourism corridors.

When fully operational, the airport is expected to rank among the world's largest by passenger throughput. This places Ethiopia in direct competition with major global hubs in the Middle East and Europe. The development includes a 38-kilometer high-speed railway and a multi-lane motorway. These links will connect the airport to Addis Ababa. Industry organizations like IATA often stress the importance of such integrated infrastructure for economic growth.

For more commercial aviation news and updates on major infrastructure projects, visit our dedicated section at https://flying.flights.