Ethiopia Launches $12.5 Billion Mega-Airport to Boost African Aviation Hub Status

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 06:35 AM•3 min read

Ethiopia Launches $12.5 Billion Mega-Airport to Boost African Aviation Hub Status

Ethiopia begins construction on a new $12.5 billion mega-airport near Addis Ababa, solidifying its role as a premier African aviation hub.

Key Points

1Construction began on the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport on January 10, 2026, marking Africa's largest aviation infrastructure project.
2The new airport is planned to have a full capacity of 110 million passengers annually, significantly exceeding the current hub's limit.
3Phase One is scheduled for completion by 2030, aiming for an initial capacity of 60 million passengers per year.
4The project will serve as the new primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines, strengthening its position as a key intercontinental gateway.

Ethiopia has officially broken ground on a massive new aviation project. The Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) is a $12.5 billion development. Officials describe it as the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 10, 2026. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the landmark event.

This new gateway is located near the town of Bishoftu. It sits approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa.

A New African Mega-Hub

The Bishoftu International Airport is designed for massive scale. Its full capacity is planned to reach 110 million passengers annually. This volume is more than four times the current capacity of the existing hub.

Phase One of the construction is already underway. This first phase is scheduled for completion around 2030. It will provide an initial capacity of about 60 million passengers per year.

The full design includes four parallel runways.
The airport will have parking stands for about 270 aircraft.
It will serve as the new primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines.

Relieving Pressure and Driving Growth

The project is essential for managing African aviation growth. The current hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is nearing its limit. Bole International Airport (ADD) has a capacity of about 25 million passengers annually. Officials expect this capacity to be reached within the next few years.

The new airport will help ease congestion in the capital city. It will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a key connecting platform. This connectivity links Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strategic Investment and Financing

Ethiopian Airlines has been entrusted with the project’s overall design. The national flag carrier is Africa’s largest airline. It is committed to shaping the continent’s air transport future.

Funding for the $12.5 billion airport project is multi-sourced. Ethiopian Airlines plans to fund approximately 30% of the cost. The remaining 70% will come from institutional lenders. These lenders include the African Development Bank and partners from China and the Middle East.

This massive infrastructure investment aligns with Ethiopia's economic goals. It aims to boost trade, tourism, and logistics integration. The new hub is a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For more developments on major airport infrastructure and commercial aviation news, check industry reports. The new Bishoftu International Airport is set to redefine East Africa air travel. It will become a major global intercontinental transfer point. This project highlights a strong commitment to future-proofing the nation's aviation sector.

The project includes a multi-lane motorway to the capital.
A 38-kilometer high-speed railway is also planned.
The goal is to reinforce Ethiopia's role as a leading global aviation and trade gateway.