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Ethiopia Plans Africa's Largest Airport by 2030
24 Apr
Summary
- Ethiopia is constructing a massive new airport near Bishoftu.
- The airport aims to become Africa's largest, handling 60 million passengers.
- Ethiopian Airlines will invest 30% equity in the $12.5 billion project.
Ethiopia has initiated the construction of a monumental airport project near Bishoftu, approximately 45 km from Addis Ababa, which is set to become the largest in Africa. This ambitious undertaking aims to establish Ethiopia as a premier global aviation hub, significantly enhancing continental connectivity. The new facility is projected to handle an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, with plans for future expansion to accommodate up to 110 million, potentially surpassing the world's busiest airports.
The state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, is spearheading the project, with its CEO announcing a direct equity investment of 30% towards the $12.5 billion cost. The remaining $8 billion is being sought through negotiations with international partners, including the US, China, and Italy. This development addresses the current capacity limitations of Addis Ababa's existing airport and is scheduled for completion by 2030.
Construction commenced in January 2026, with the new airport designed to feature six runways and advanced infrastructure. Beyond passenger services, the airport will include extensive cargo facilities, ample aircraft parking, and state-of-the-art terminals. Upon completion, it is expected to supersede Addis Ababa Bole International Airport as Ethiopia's primary aviation gateway, bolstering the nation's strategic importance in global air travel.
