Ethiopian Airlines Begins $12.5 Billion Project for Africa's Largest Airport

January 12, 2026 at 01:29 AM•3 min read

Ethiopian Airlines has launched a $12.5 billion construction project for Bishoftu International Airport, set to be Africa's largest with 110 million annual passenger capacity by 2030.

Key Points

1Ethiopian Airlines commenced work on the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project on January 10, 2026, slated for completion by 2030.
2The new airport will be Africa's largest, featuring four runways and a full capacity of 110 million passengers annually.
3The development is critical as the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is nearing its 25 million passenger capacity limit.
4Funding is structured with Ethiopian Airlines covering 30% and international lenders, including the African Development Bank, financing the remaining 70%.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, has officially begun construction on a massive $12.5 billion airport project. The new facility is named Bishoftu International Airport and is planned to become the continent's largest aviation hub. Construction commenced on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the town of Bishoftu. This location is approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa.

A New African Aviation Mega-Hub

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described the project as the "largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history". The completed airport is designed to handle 110 million passengers annually. This capacity is more than four times that of the country's current main gateway.

Bishoftu International Airport will feature four runways. It will also have parking space for up to 270 aircraft. The entire project is anticipated to be completed by 2030. The first phase alone is expected to accommodate up to 60 million passengers per year. This will include two passenger terminals and a cargo terminal.

Relieving Pressure on Addis Ababa

The project is a direct response to capacity constraints at the existing hub. The current main facility is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). ADD currently handles about 25 million passengers annually. Officials warn that ADD is expected to reach its maximum capacity within the next two to three years. This new African aviation infrastructure is vital for the carrier's continued growth. Ethiopian Airlines is already Africa's biggest carrier by fleet size and destinations.

Financing and Timeline

The total cost of the $12.5 billion airport project was revised upward from an initial $10 billion estimate. Ethiopian Airlines plans to finance 30% of the cost directly. The remaining 70% will be covered by international lenders.

The African Development Bank has committed $500 million.
The bank is also leading efforts to raise an additional $8.7 billion.
Lenders from the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA have shown strong interest in financing the project.

Initial earthworks have been allocated $610 million. These works are scheduled for completion within one year. Main construction by major contractors is set to begin in August 2026. The new airport is positioned as a strategic logistics and connectivity hub. It aims to strengthen Ethiopia's role as a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. This development supports the airline's long-term Vision 2035 plan. The plan includes expanding its fleet and international destinations. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.