Ethiopia Commences Construction on Africa’s Largest Airport in Bishoftu. Bishoftu, Ethiopia — 2026-01-13 Construction on what Ethiopia aims to be Africa’s largest airport has begun in the town of Bishoftu, located 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.
The project, flagged as a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure development, is poised to transform the region’s aviation landscape.
Paragraph. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, marked the commencement of the Bishoftu International Airport project with a ceremonial plaque on Saturday.
The airport, which is part of a broader infrastructure development agenda, is expected to cost $12.
5 billion, with Ethiopian Airlines contributing 30% of the funding.
The Africa Development Bank has already provided a $500 million loan, with additional financing sought from international institutions. Body.
The new airport is designed to accommodate 270 planes simultaneously and has a projected annual passenger capacity of 110 million. It will feature four runways, making it the largest aviation infrastructure in Africa.
In the initial phase, the airport is set to handle 60 million passengers annually, with the capacity to increase to 110 million in the future.
The project includes a multi — lane motorway connecting the airport to the capital and a 38-kilometer high-speed railway with speeds up to 200 kph.
The airport is expected to reach saturation within three years, alleviating the pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which currently handles up to 25 million passengers annually. Ending.
The completion of the Bishoftu International Airport is projected for around 2027, with a long-term goal of establishing it as a global aviation hub by 2035.
The project is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition to become a leader in aviation and infrastructure.
However, concerns about the environmental impact and the project’s financial sustainability remain unanswered.
Further details are expected as the construction progresses, and the government is anticipated to provide updates on the project’s timeline and environmental impact assessments.
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Source: [Ethiopia develops Bishoftu International Airport to become Africa’s largest aviation hub by 2030 — internationalairportreview. Com]( Internationalairportreview.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
