Ethiopia has officially commenced construction on the Bishoftu International Airport, a massive $12.5 billion project designed to become the largest aviation hub on the African continent. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali laid the foundation stone on Saturday, January 10, 2026, marking the transition from planning to active execution.
Located 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the “Mega Airport City” is being developed by the Ethiopian Airlines Group to address the looming capacity limits of the current Bole International Airport, which is expected to reach its maximum threshold of 25 million passengers within the next two years.
The architectural vision for the project is led by the world renowned Zaha Hadid Architects in partnership with the Sidara Group. The design draws inspiration from the Great Rift Valley, utilizing a “central spine” layout that connects the airport’s diverse piers and reduces transfer times for transit passengers.
Each terminal section will feature a unique color palette and design language reflecting different regions of Ethiopia. Notably, the airport is situated 400 meters lower than Addis Ababa, an elevation change that will significantly improve aircraft fuel efficiency and payload capacity for long haul flights.
The project will be delivered in two major phases. Phase One, scheduled for completion by 2030, will feature a 660,000 square meter terminal and two parallel runways capable of handling 60 million passengers annually.
Upon full completion, the airport will expand to four runways with a total capacity of 110 million passengers and parking for 270 aircraft. To ensure seamless connectivity, a 38 kilometer high speed rail link will be constructed to transport passengers from the capital to the new hub in just 25 minutes.
Financing for this landmark infrastructure is being coordinated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the lead arranger, with the Ethiopian Airlines Group funding 30% of the project. The airport is designed to meet LEED Gold sustainability standards, incorporating solar energy arrays, natural ventilation, and locally sourced recycled materials.
As Ethiopia celebrates 80 years of aviation excellence, the Bishoftu Airport City stands as a primary catalyst for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning the nation as the ultimate gateway between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
