08/02/2026
𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘂 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 - 𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿
Ethiopian Airlines celebrated 80 years with the ground breaking for Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion project set to become Africa's largest aviation hub.
𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Located 40Km southwest of Addis Ababa, this mega project will address the growing capacity pressures at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its limits.
The project was initiated to alleviate congestion at Bole International Airport, which handled 19 million passengers in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The new airport is part of Ethiopia's strategy to become a major aviation hub in Africa, leveraging Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network.
𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
Capacity Constraints: Bole International Airport is approaching its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers.
Economic Growth: The airport will boost trade, tourism, and regional investment, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀
💸 Cost: $12.5 billion
📶 Capacity: 60 million passengers (phase 1), expanding to 110 million by 2029, with a goal to make Ethiopia a leading global aviation hub by 2035 parking 270 planes at a given time.
🛫 Runways: 4 parallel runways.
🏎️ Cargo Handling: 1.5 million tons (initially 2.1 million tons).
📍 Airport City: Includes hotels, business parks, and leisure facilities.
🚅 Transportation: 38 km high-speed rail link to Addis Ababa.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 & 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁
💰Bishoftu Airport is projected to generate billions in revenue through passenger fees, retail, cargo, and fueling, while boosting Ethiopia's economy, tourism, and global connectivity by becoming Africa's largest aviation hub and major transit point.
💳 Its large scale with 110 million passenger capacity positions it for substantial aeronautical (landing fees) and non-aeronautical (shops, fuel) income, driving significant economic impact.
🛏️ With up to 80% of passengers transiting between destinations without leaving the airport, Bishoftu International Airport will contain “extensive amenities for transiting passengers” that will include a 350-room airside hotel.
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
The project is powered by a significant partnership led by the African Development Bank (AfDB) arranging up to $8 billion in funds, with Ethiopian Airlines contributing about 20-30% from internal sources.
Other international lenders from the Middle East, China, Europe, and the US also showing interest, aiming for a total cost potentially reaching $10-12.5 billion, using a project financing model with KPMG as financial advisor.
