Ethiopia begins construction of Africa's largest airport in Bishoftu
In a strategic move aimed at reshaping the air transport landscape in Africa, Ethiopia officially launched construction on a new international airport in Bishoftu, about 40 kilometers from the capital Addis Ababa, on Saturday. This ambitious project underscores the country's ambition to solidify its position as a major gateway for Africa to the world.
Details of the mega project
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch of a project expected to become Africa's largest, aiming to rival major international airports. The project's estimated cost is approximately $12.7 billion. According to plans, the airport will have a capacity of 60 million passengers annually by the end of its first phase, rising to 110 million passengers upon completion of all phases—a massive figure reflecting the scale of Ethiopia's ambitions.
A quantum leap for Ethiopian Airlines
This project will directly support Ethiopian Airlines, the state-owned national carrier, which is currently the largest airline in Africa in terms of fleet and passenger numbers, and one of the few on the continent to achieve sustained profitability. The new airport will replace the existing Bole International Airport in the capital, which has a maximum capacity of 25 million passengers and is under severe pressure due to increasing travel and transit traffic through Addis Ababa.
Integrated infrastructure to enhance connectivity
The Ethiopian Prime Minister confirmed in a post on the "X" platform that the project is not limited to the airport building alone, but includes an integrated transportation system. Plans include the construction of a modern, multi-lane highway connecting the new airport to the capital, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed rail line with speeds ranging from 120 to 200 kilometers per hour, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.
Economic and financial dimensions
Construction is expected to take five years, with the Bishoftu project having secured a $500 million financing commitment from the African Development Bank. Authorities are also in advanced negotiations with other international institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Ethiopia aims to boost its tourism sector and attract foreign visitors through this airport, despite ongoing security challenges in some regions such as Oromia and Amhara, banking on future stability and the airport's role in driving economic development.
