Ethiopia Begins Construction of $12.5 Billion Airport Project Set to Be Africa’s Largest

Ethiopia has officially begun work on a major airport construction project that officials say will become the largest in Africa, government and industry representatives said on Saturday.

The new facility, Bishoftu International Airport, is being built in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, with an estimated cost of $12.5 billion. When completed in 2030, the four-runway airport is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, making it significantly larger than the country’s existing air hub.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described the project as “the largest aviation infrastructure initiative in Africa’s history,” noting that it will include space for up to 270 aircraft and greatly expand the continent’s air transport capacity. Ethiopian authorities said the move responds to rising demand, as the current main airport nears its capacity limits.

The project is being led by Ethiopian Airlines, which will fund approximately 30 per cent of the development, with the remainder to be provided by international lenders. An initial $610 million has already been allocated for preparatory earthworks, due to be completed within a year, with major construction slated to begin in August 2026.

The airport’s expanded capacity aims to support Ethiopia’s ambitions to become a leading aviation and logistics hub for Africa, strengthening connectivity for trade, tourism and regional travel. Officials said the development is also expected to spur broader economic growth as the nation continues to prioritise infrastructure investment.

SOURCE: Reuters