Ethiopia has officially launched the construction of a new $12.5 billion international airport in Bishoftu, a project set to become the largest aviation hub in Africa upon its completion in 2030.
The state-owned Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading the development of the four-runway airport, which is designed to accommodate 110 million passengers annually and park 270 aircraft.
This capacity is more than four times that of the country’s current main airport, which officials say is nearing its operational limits.
The ambitious project, described by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali as “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” is being financed through a combination of internal funds and external loans.
Ethiopian Airlines will provide 30% of the cost, while the remaining funds are being sourced from various lenders, including a significant commitment from the African Development Bank and strong interest from financiers in the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA.
With earthworks already underway, the new airport represents a major step in cementing Ethiopian Airlines’ position as the continent’s biggest carrier and expanding Ethiopia’s role as a global transit hub.
