As of January 10, 2026, Ethiopian Airlines Group have celebrated the commencement of construction for Ethiopia’s new international airport, Bishoftu International Airport.
Meanwhile, the new gateway taking shape is Bishoftu International Airport. It is located in the town of Bishoftu, approximately 28 kilometres away from the city centre of Addis Ababa.
Multiple key guests attended the historic ground‑breaking ceremony. This included; Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Dr Abiy Ahmed, as well as government officials. Additionally, stakeholders, industry leaders and Ethiopian Airlines executives.
Bishoftu’s Construction Expectations
Bishoftu International Airport aims to complete Phase One by 2030, enabling it to accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually.
Ultimately, once the entire airport is finished, it will be able to handle up to 110 million passengers.
At current growth rates, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), will reach its capacity within the next two to three years.
Ethiopia’s new gateway will feature four runways and will handle up to 270 aircraft. This will make it twice the size of Bole International Airport.
In addition, Bishoftu International Airport will create more than 26,000 new jobs. Which in turn will significantly boost its economic standing.
Ethiopian Airlines Comments on Bishoftu Launch…
Commenting on this historical moment for Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew said:
“This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa.”
“We are embarking on a new chapter with the ground-breaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem.”
“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.”
“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 (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian we are committed to realize the completion of this project.”
Governmental Comments on Bishoftu International Airport…
Adding on X, Prime Minister His Excellency Dy. Abiy Ahmed, said:
“To sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global network, a new mega hub is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually.”
“This multi-airport strategy aims to future-proof Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.”
“Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.”
“It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy.”
“The project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity under the AfCFTA framework, expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental hub.”
“Located about 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance and efficient handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers.”
“Proximity to the capital ensures seamless integration with the existing aviation ecosystem.”
“The first phase of the airport will handle 60 million passengers per year, with an ultimate master plan capacity of 110 million passengers annually, placing Ethiopia among the world’s top aviation hubs.”
Overall…
A project of this scale inevitably reshapes not only an airline’s trajectory but an entire nation’s economic horizon.
The groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport marks far more than the start of a construction programme — it signals Ethiopia’s intent to redefine its role in global aviation.
With capacity pressures mounting at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Ethiopian Airlines continuing its rapid ascent as Africa’s most successful carrier, the move toward a purpose‑built mega‑hub feels both strategic and overdue.
What emerges from this moment is a sense of long‑term vision.
The airport’s planned four runways, its ability to eventually handle up to 110 million passengers a year, and its integration into a wider “multi‑airport strategy” all point to a country preparing for decades of growth, not merely reacting to present constraints.
The government’s emphasis on connectivity, trade expansion, and continental integration underlines how deeply aviation is woven into Ethiopia’s national development agenda.
As construction begins, the industry will watch closely. If delivered as planned, Bishoftu International Airport will not only transform Ethiopian Airlines’ operational capacity but could shift the centre of gravity for African aviation.
For Ethiopia, it represents a bold investment in the future — and a defining chapter in its ambition to lead the continent’s skies.
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