Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially begun construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a landmark infrastructure project set to become the largest airport development in Africa and a central pillar in the continent’s expanding aviation and trade ecosystem.
Construction commenced on January 10, 2026, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony in Bishoftu attended by Abiy Ahmed, senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and executives from Ethiopian Airlines.
A flagship aviation infrastructure investment
At the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled the airport’s master design and confirmed the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project. The formal laying of the foundation plaque marked the official transition from planning to execution for what is being positioned as a generational infrastructure investment.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew described the project as a defining moment for both the airline and the continent.
“This project represents a new chapter for African aviation,” Tasew said. “As Ethiopian Airlines marks 80 years of service, Bishoftu International Airport reinforces our long-term commitment to meeting growing passenger and cargo demand, closing Africa’s infrastructure gap, and supporting continental integration.”
Supporting trade, cargo, and AfCFTA implementation
Beyond passenger growth, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a critical role in cargo logistics, trade facilitation, and supply-chain connectivity across Africa. Ethiopian Airlines highlighted the project’s alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area, positioning the airport as a strategic hub for intra-African commerce and global market access.
The new airport will complement existing aviation infrastructure by easing capacity constraints, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.
National significance and institutional strength
In his address, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the groundbreaking as a milestone in Ethiopia’s broader development and modernization agenda. He praised Ethiopian Airlines as a national institution that has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and operational discipline.
He pointed to the airline’s safety-first culture, leadership ethos, continuous skills development, and workforce of more than 26,000 employees as the foundation of its success, noting that these strengths have enabled Ethiopian Airlines to remain competitive in a challenging global aviation environment.
Phased development and long-term capacity
Phase One of Bishoftu International Airport is scheduled for completion by 2030, with an initial capacity of 60 million passengers per year. Once fully developed, the airport is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, placing it among the largest aviation hubs globally.
As African air travel, cargo volumes, and regional trade continue to expand, the Bishoftu project underscores the growing role of large-scale infrastructure investment in supporting economic integration, export growth, and mobility across the continent.