A huge new project aims to transform the aviation landscape of an entire continent with the construction of a colossal international airport designed to be the largest in Africa. Valued at around £4.5 billion, the airport is set to handle an astounding 110 million passengers annually, far surpassing the capacity of any existing airport on the continent. Located near the town of Bishoftu, around 28 miles southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, the airport is scheduled for completion by 2029.
The “mega airport” will feature four expansive runways and a cutting-edge terminal designed to incorporate the latest technological advancements, ensuring smooth and efficient operations for both passengers and cargo. Backed by Ethiopian Airlines and supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the ambitious infrastructure project, officially named Bishoftu International Airport, is poised to dramatically expand the country’s aviation capacity and economic influence.
The design contract for this ambitious project was awarded to Sidara, a Dubai-based engineering firm known for its innovative and sustainable infrastructure developments.
Their plans emphasise eco-friendly solutions such as renewable energy use and advanced waste management, aiming to minimise environmental impact while maximising operational efficiency.
Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said about the project: “The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritise environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond.”
“It is a five-year project [that] will be finalised in 2029. It will be the biggest in Africa. Phase one alone will cost at least $6 billion […] The money will come through loans and there are already companies that already showed interest.”
Dar’s director of operations in Ethiopia Tariq Al-Qanni, also said: “We are privileged to be collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines on this visionary new airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and most competitive aviation group.”
The new airport is being designed to accommodate up to 270 aircraft, and the plans were first announced in 2018 as part of Ethiopia’s long-term strategy to expand its aviation capacity.
The strategic move comes at a time when Ethiopian Airlines is expanding rapidly. The airline served 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year and expects that figure to rise to 20 million in 2025.
Currently, Addis Ababa Bole Airport serves as Ethiopia’s main air gateway but is limited by its capacity and high altitude. The new airport will address these constraints, providing modern infrastructure capable of competing with global aviation giants such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Beijing’s Daxing airports.
Once completed by 2029, the new hub plans to increase Ethiopia’s annual passenger capacity from 17 million to over 60 million by 2040.