Ethiopian Airlines is spearheading a major infrastructure project to develop the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a greenfield airport designed to serve as a pivotal hub for Africa. Located roughly 40 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, this project aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and position Ethiopia as a leading global aviation center.
The phased development, with the first phase valued at about USD 12.5 billion, is targeted for completion by 2030. It will initially accommodate around 60 million passengers annually, with the full-built capacity reaching 110 million, making it the continent’s largest airport. This icon of infrastructure is expected to support trade, tourism, and regional integration across Africa.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the significance of this project: "Bishoftu International Airport marks a historic leap in Africa’s aviation journey, dramatically increasing connectivity and boosting economic development across the continent." The project is supported by the African Development Bank and involves prominent technical and legal advisors. It has entered critical phases, including the release of detailed financial and project documentation for prospective lenders and preparations for contractor bidding scheduled for mid-December 2025.
The development will be showcased at the upcoming Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, which is expected to generate financial interest among various regional and international investors. Once completed, BIA will serve as a gateway that establishes Ethiopia as the aviation capital of Africa and a model for future infrastructure projects on the continent.
