Ethiopia Breaks Ground on Africa’s Largest Aviation Construction Project

Ethiopian Airlines has begun construction of a landmark $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, located about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, marking what officials say will be Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure development.

 
The project, led by the state-owned airline, features a four-runway airport designed to accommodate up to 270 aircrafts and handle 110 million passengers annually when it becomes operational in 2030. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the new facility will ease pressure on the country’s existing airport, which is projected to reach full capacity within the next three years.
 
Dubai-based engineering firm Sidara has been contracted to design the airport. Ethiopian Airlines will finance 30 per cent of the project, with the remaining funds sourced from international lenders. The airline has already allocated $610 million for initial earthworks, which are expected to be completed within a year, while full-scale construction by major contractors is slated to begin in August 2026.
 
Initially valued at $10 billion, the airport’s cost has since been revised upward to $12.5 billion. The African Development Bank has committed $500 million and is leading efforts to mobilise an additional $8.7 billion, attracting interest from financiers in the Middle East, Europe, China and the United States.
 
The airport development aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader expansion strategy, as Africa’s largest carrier continues to grow its network and capacity to meet rising passenger and cargo demand.

Posted on : 12 Jan,2026

Exhibitions In Africa

Read More

Advertisements

Latest News

SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER