Construction has begun on Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia, described as the “largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history” by Ethiopia’s prime minister Abiy Ahmed in a statement on X.
The airport is located 40km southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, at an altitude of 1,910m.
Phase One of the project is due to be completed by 2030 with a 60 million annual passenger capacity. This phase is estimated to cost $12.5bn according to Ethiopian Airlines Group.
The airport’s first phase will be designed by a UK-headquartered team of Zaha Hadid Architects and Pascall+Watson Architects.
It was previously evaluated at $10bn by the African Development Bank, who pledged “comprehensive support” in 2025.
When fully completed, the airport will be able to accommodate 110 million visitors and 3.73 million tons of cargo a year. It will contain four runways and and parking for 270 aircraft.
It is estimated that 80% of passengers will change to connecting flights at the airport, with a 350 key hotel built to accommodate visitors.
A 38km high-speed railway will also be built, plus a multi-lane motorway linking the airport to Addis Ababa.
Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s chief executive, said: “As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.
“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
Addis Ababa is served by Bole International Airport, which opened in 1962 and was expanded by China Communications in 2018. It has an annual capacity of around 22 million passengers, but a projected 6% annual increase in tourists means that capacity will soon be reached. Bishoftu International Airport will be four times its size.
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