Construction of Bishoftu International Airport has officially commenced, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia’s aviation expansion strategy and Africa’s growing global air transport ambition. The project, designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually when fully completed, entered the construction phase on 10 January 2026 following a high-level groundbreaking ceremony attended by national leaders, aviation stakeholders, and industry executives.
The commencement ceremony for Bishoftu International Airport was graced by His Excellency Dr Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, alongside senior ministers, high-ranking government officials, industry leaders, and top executives of Ethiopian Airlines Group. The level of participation highlighted the strategic national importance of the airport, which is expected to redefine Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and strengthen Africa’s connectivity to global markets.
Ethiopian Airlines Group confirmed that Bishoftu International Airport is being developed as a future-ready aviation hub capable of supporting sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic. The airport will be delivered in phases, with Phase One expected to be completed by 2030. At that stage, the new facility will accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually, significantly expanding capacity and easing pressure on existing airport infrastructure.
Bishoftu International Airport to Transform Africa’s Aviation Landscape
When fully completed, Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers per year, placing it among the world’s largest airports. The scale of the project aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term network expansion strategy and Ethiopia’s broader ambition to position itself as a leading aviation gateway connecting Africa with Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled the airport’s design and confirmed the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project area. The airline stated that the process was conducted in line with national regulations and internationally recognised standards, ensuring that affected residents were adequately supported ahead of construction activities.
The official commencement of construction was symbolically marked by the placement of a commemorative plaque by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed alongside Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew, formally transitioning the project from planning into execution.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mesfin Tasew described the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport as a defining moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for African aviation.
He said: “this is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. we are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem.”
Tasew noted that the project coincides with the airline’s 80th anniversary and represents another significant milestone in its history. According to him, the airport underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ long-standing commitment to shaping the future of African air transport while responding to growing passenger and cargo demand.
He further stated: “as we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.”
Tasew also emphasised the broader economic role of **Bishoftu International Airport, describing it as a critical response to Africa’s infrastructure gap and a strategic enabler of continental trade integration. In his words:
“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area, and at Ethiopian we are committed to realise the completion of this project.”
In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the day as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards modernisation and long-term prosperity. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines remains a source of national pride, not because it has been without challenges, but because of its resilience and ability to overcome obstacles while serving as a trailblazer for Africa.
The Prime Minister stressed that the airline’s greatest strength lies in its deeply rooted corporate culture, which places safety and security at the forefront while promoting disciplined leadership driven by creativity and hard work. He highlighted the role of a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who believe in Ethiopian Airlines as their flag carrier and honour what it represents, alongside a sustained commitment to learning and capacity building.
Beyond aviation operations, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits. The project will generate employment opportunities during construction and operation while stimulating growth across logistics, tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. Improved air connectivity is also expected to strengthen trade flows and people-to-people interactions within Africa and beyond.
As construction progresses, Bishoftu International Airport stands as a defining investment for Ethiopian and African aviation. With Phase One scheduled for completion by 2030 and full development thereafter, the project signals strong confidence in Africa’s aviation growth trajectory and Ethiopia’s position at its centre.
