The construction of the Bishoftu International Airport was officially launched on 10 January 2025, with a cornerstone-laying ceremony led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr).
The planned airport in Bishoftu, about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, is projected to become Africa’s largest airport upon completion.
The mega project, first unveiled last year, is designed to handle up to 60 million on the first phase and 110 million passengers on full completion annually . It is expected to significantly expand Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure and reinforce Ethiopian Airline’s position as a leading continental aviation hub and among the tops in the world.
In a post shared on the PM office official page, Prime Minister Abiy noted that the new airport will be developed alongside the existing Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded annual handling capacity of 25 million passengers. He added that Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance, as well as efficient handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the project also includes the construction of a modern multi-lane highway connecting the airport to Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed railway with operating speeds ranging from 120 to 200 kilometers per hour.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the project aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy. He further highlighted that Ethiopian Airlines’ greatest strength lies in its strong corporate culture, supported by a workforce of more than 26,000 employees.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that the project also reflects Ethiopia’s broader approach to continental economic interconnectedness, consistent with initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By significantly expanding air transport capacity and connectivity, BIA is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a regional logistics and mobility hub.
The airport further elevates the already well-established significance of Ethiopian Airlines as a champion of Africa’s integration, reinforcing its role in linking African economies to one another and to global markets.
The Bishoftu International Airport is expected to begin operations in phases. According to Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, the airport is expected to be completed within five years and begin international flights by 2030.
