Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, described as the largest airport infrastructure project in Africa’s history.
The new Bishoftu hub, located near Addis Ababa, will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers per year, with the potential to reach 110 million in the long term, further strengthening Ethiopia’s position as the continent’s leading aviation hub.
The Bishoftu mega-hub is being developed to complement Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which is approaching its expanded maximum capacity of 25 million passengers annually. This multi-airport strategy aims to sustain Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s main gateway for air transport, according to the authorities.
The project is part of Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, its industrialization agenda, and its long-term aviation strategy. It seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Ethiopian Airlines, improve African connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a major intercontinental hub.
Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance and efficient management of transit and destination passengers. Its proximity to the capital ensures seamless integration with the existing aviation ecosystem.