Ethiopia has begun construction on what is projected to be Africa’s largest airport, a $12.7 billion project near Bishoftu intended to dramatically expand the nation’s aviation capacity and challenge Addis Ababa’s Bole Airport as the continent’s primary international gateway. The new facility, spearheaded by Ethiopian Airlines and the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, reflects Ethiopia’s growing ambitions as a regional and international transportation leader. Despite ongoing political instability in parts of the country, the project signals a continued commitment to large-scale infrastructure investment alongside the recently completed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Construction has begun on a massive new airport near Bishoftu, Ethiopia, poised to become the largest aviation infrastructure project on the African continent. The project, announced Saturday by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, aims to establish Ethiopia as a leading transportation hub for the region and beyond.
The new airport is estimated to cost $12.7 billion (10.9 billion euros) and is designed to accommodate approximately 110 million passengers annually. Construction is expected to take five years, according to officials.
Currently, Ethiopia’s air travel is largely channeled through Bole Airport in the capital, Addis Ababa, which has a capacity of up to 25 million passengers per year. The Bishoftu airport is intended to replace Bole as the country’s primary international gateway.
Ethiopian Airlines is partially funding the construction of the new facility, which will span 35 square kilometers. The development underscores Ethiopia’s ambition to become a major player in global air travel and logistics.
“This project will improve the competitiveness of Ethiopian Airlines globally, expand African connectivity, trade and tourism corridors, and the importance of Ethiopia as a significant intercontinental hub,” Prime Minister Abiy stated.
The project also includes the construction of a multi-lane highway connecting the airport to Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed rail line. Abiy said the train will be capable of speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour.
Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa with 130 million citizens, is hoping the new airport will attract increased foreign tourism. This ambition comes despite ongoing armed conflict in the Amhara and Oromia regions, with Bishoftu located within Oromia.
The construction project required the relocation of 2,500 farmers last year, a process that cost $350 million, according to Mesfin Tassew Bekele, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
The new airport is the latest in a series of large-scale infrastructure projects undertaken by Ethiopia in recent years. Last year, the country inaugurated the largest dam on the continent, and extensive renovation projects are underway in Addis Ababa and other major cities.
