In a historic move to cement its status as the continent’s primary aviation gateway, the Ethiopian government officially launched the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The $12.5 billion project, described by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as the “largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” marks a strategic leap toward transforming Ethiopia into a global intercontinental hub.
Located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, the new four-runway facility is designed to solve the critical capacity constraints at the existing Bole International Airport, which is projected to reach its operational limits within the next two to three years.
A Vision of Unprecedented Scale
The “Bishoftu Airport City” is not merely a terminal expansion but a massive greenfield development spanning 35 square kilometers. Once completed in 2030, the hub will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to compete with global leaders like Dubai and Istanbul.
- Passenger Capacity: The first phase will accommodate 60 million passengers annually, with an ultimate master plan capacity of 110 million—nearly quadruple that of Bole Airport.
- Fleet Support: The airport will provide dedicated parking for up to 270 aircraft, supporting the rapid expansion of the state-owned Ethiopian Airlines.
- Cargo Dominance: The site is positioned to handle over 3.7 million tonnes of cargo, facilitating a surge in intra-African trade and global logistics.
Financing and Strategic Partnerships
The financing for the $12.5 billion project follows a sophisticated blended model. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, will fund 30% of the project from its internal reserves, while the remaining 70% is being sourced through international lenders.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has already pledged $500 million and is leading a consortium to raise an additional $8.7 billion in debt finance. According to Abraham Tesfaye, the airline’s Infrastructure Planning Director, lenders from the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States have shown intense interest, signaling high investor confidence in Ethiopia’s long-term economic reforms.
Integrated Connectivity
A key feature of the 2030 vision is the “multi-modal” link between the new hub and the capital. Prime Minister Abiy confirmed the development of:
- High-Speed Rail: A 38-kilometer line with trains reaching speeds of 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Expressway Links: A dedicated multi-lane motorway to ensure seamless transit for passengers and freight.
| Project Milestone | Date |
| Groundbreaking Ceremony | January 10, 2026 |
| Earthworks Completion | January 2027 |
| Main Construction Start | August 2026 |
| Phase I Completion | November 2029 |
| Full Operational Readiness | 2030 |
Economic and Regional Implications
Beyond aviation, the project is expected to be a massive engine for job creation, requiring the relocation and rehousing of roughly 2,500 farmers—a process already completed at a cost of $350 million. The lower altitude of Bishoftu (roughly 400 meters lower than Addis Ababa) also offers a technical advantage: aircraft can take off with heavier fuel loads, enabling more efficient direct long-haul flights to the Americas and East Asia.
“This is about future-proofing Ethiopia’s role,” Prime Minister Abiy stated via X. “It will enhance our global competitiveness and position our nation as the aviation capital of the continent.”
