Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced it will break ground in November 2025 on one of Africa’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects: the $10 billion Bishoftu International Airport. Located approximately 39 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, near the town of Bishoftu (Debre Zeit), the airport will become a central pillar of Ethiopia’s long-term aviation and economic development strategy.

A Game-Changing Aviation Megaproject

Spanning over 35 square kilometers, the new airport will be more than three times the size of the existing Bole International Airport and is designed to handle up to 100 million passengers per year, positioning Ethiopia as a continental and global aviation hub.

According to CEO Ato Mesfin Tasew, the Bishoftu Airport will include:

• Three parallel runways, capable of handling the world’s largest aircraft including the Airbus A380.
• A modern terminal complex with cutting-edge technology and streamlined passenger experience.
• A dedicated cargo terminal with a minimum handling capacity of 3 million tons of freight annually.
• A world-class MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility, supporting both Ethiopian Airlines and third-party carriers.
• Logistics parks, training centers, cold-chain storage for perishables, and commercial areas to support broader economic activity.

Award-Winning Designers on Board

The design and consultancy contract for the airport and its surrounding aerotropolis was awarded in 2024 to a high-profile international consortium. The master planning and technical advisory services are being led by Dar Al‑Handasah Consultants, in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects and others.

In parallel, Sidara, a Dubai-based engineering and design firm and part of the Dar group, has been commissioned to lead the airport’s architectural and technical design—including runway layout, passenger terminals, cargo hubs, and aviation support infrastructure.

This team brings extensive experience designing global mega-hubs, including work on airports in Dubai, Riyadh, and Istanbul.

Connectivity and Urban Integration

To ensure seamless access between Bishoftu and Addis Ababa, the government plans to construct a dedicated expressway and railway line, facilitating efficient transfers between the new airport and Bole International Airport.

Furthermore, the government envisions the development of an “airport city”—an urban complex with residential, commercial, hospitality, and logistics functions—to harness the full economic potential of the airport and create thousands of jobs.

Resettlement and Social Responsibility

As part of the airport’s construction, farmer communities residing in the designated development zone have been relocated. Ato Mesfin noted that new residential villages—complete with housing, schools, and health facilities—are on track to be completed by September 30, ensuring a smooth and dignified resettlement process for affected families.

Financing and Strategic Outlook

To finance the $10 billion project, Ethiopian Airlines is in advanced talks with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other international financial partners. A mix of loans, equity investment, and public-private partnerships is expected to fund the multi-phase development.

“This is not just an airport,” Ato Mesfin said. “It is a national asset—a powerful symbol of our ambition, our economic vision, and our position as Africa’s gateway to the world.”

The Bishoftu Airport is a flagship initiative under the airline’s Vision 2035 strategy, which targets a fleet of 270 aircraft, global route expansion, and increased revenue from cargo, MRO, and ground services. Once operational, the airport will rival global hubs such as Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai, reinforcing Ethiopia’s status as Africa’s aviation powerhouse.