Ethiopian Airlines Begins $12.5B Bishoftu Airport, Set to Be Africa's Largest Hub
Key Points
- 1Construction began on Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) on January 10, 2026, marking Africa's largest aviation infrastructure project.
- 2Phase one is a $12.5 billion investment, scheduled for completion by 2030, with a capacity of 60 million passengers annually.
- 3The fully developed BIA will handle 110 million passengers, supporting Ethiopian Airlines' 2040 growth strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially started construction on Bishoftu International Airport (BIA). The project is Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure development. Construction began on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. The new mega-hub is a cornerstone of the airline’s ambitious 2040 growth strategy.
Strategic Vision and Capacity
Bishoftu International Airport is designed to address capacity constraints at the current hub. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is nearing its expanded capacity. That capacity is approximately 25 million passengers annually.
Phase one of the BIA project is valued at about USD 12.5 billion. This phase is expected to be completed by 2030. It will accommodate up to 60 million passengers per year.
Upon completion of its full master plan, the new airport will handle 110 million passengers annually. This capacity will make it the largest airport in Africa.
Group CEO Mesfin Tasew called the groundbreaking a proud moment for all of Africa. He stated the airport will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem.
Multi-Airport Strategy for Growth
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the project’s strategic importance. The new hub will operate alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). This multi-airport strategy aims to sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth.
- The strategy future-proofs Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.
- It strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness.
- The project is expected to enhance Africa’s connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The location of Bishoftu, about 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa, was chosen carefully. Its altitude of 1,910 meters offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The project is a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, and regional investment. It directly addresses the infrastructural gap across Africa.
The construction plan includes significant supporting infrastructure:
- A multi-lane modern highway linking BIA with Addis Ababa.
- A 38-kilometer high-speed railway with operating speeds up to 200 km/h.
This integrated transport system ensures seamless integration with the existing aviation ecosystem.
Ethiopian Airlines is celebrating 80 years of service. This project underscores its commitment to shaping the future of African air transport.
Industry Context
Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest airline by fleet and destinations. The airline transported 19.0 million passengers in the last fiscal year, ending June 30, 2025.
Global aviation bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), consistently stress the need for infrastructure investment. This is especially true to support Africa's projected traffic growth. The BIA project aligns with these long-term industry forecasts.
The airline's 2040 strategy targets a fleet of 303 aircraft. It also aims for 63.9 million passengers annually. The new airport infrastructure is essential to meet these ambitious goals.
Financing for the project involves the airline covering a portion. The remainder is being mobilized through international credit lenders, including the African Development Bank.
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