Ethiopia has taken a major step toward transforming air travel in Africa with the launch of an ambitious new airport project. The Ethiopian Airlines Group has initiated the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a vast new aviation hub located just outside Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines Group expects the completed airport to handle more passengers than any other on the continent.
Construction officially got underway on January 10, 2026, marked by a high-profile groundbreaking ceremony. The event brought together Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, senior government leaders, key figures from the aviation industry, and top executives from Ethiopian Airlines Group. The start of work at the airport signals Ethiopia’s growing ambitions to strengthen its role as a central gateway between Africa and the rest of the world, while supporting the country’s fast-expanding national airline.
The event marked the formal start of work on what is being described as one of the most ambitious infrastructure developments in Africa. Bishoftu International Airport is estimated to cost around US$12.5 billion and will be developed in phases. The first phase is scheduled to be completed by 2030 and is expected to handle up to 60 million passengers each year. When all phases are finished, the airport is designed to accommodate as many as 110 million passengers annually, placing it ahead of all other African airports in terms of capacity.
During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled the airport’s design and confirmed that resettlement and livelihood restoration programs for communities affected by the project have already been completed. Prime Minister Abiy and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew also unveiled a plaque to officially mark the beginning of construction.
Speaking at the event, Tasew described the airport as a major step forward for African aviation. He said the project would help close critical infrastructure gaps and support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving connectivity and trade across the region.
Prime Minister Abiy echoed these sentiments, calling the start of construction an important milestone for Ethiopia’s development. He highlighted the role of aviation in boosting trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Once operational, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to significantly increase passenger and cargo traffic within Africa and internationally, strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
