Ethiopia is moving forward with an ambitious project to build Africa’s largest airport, aiming to position itself as a central hub for international air travel on the continent. The new airport, projected to cost €5.5 billion, is set to be located in Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometres from the capital of Addis Ababa and will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure. The project is designed to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for air travel in the region and to bolster the nation’s role as a key transit point for global travellers.
The new Abusera Airport facility will handle up to 100 million passengers annually. This capacity would make it the largest in Africa and one of the most significant aviation hubs worldwide. The scale of the project is comparable to some of the busiest airports globally, such as Dubai International Airport, which currently accommodates the same yearly figure.
As Ethiopian Airlines is the most lucrative African global airline, this decision is an opportunity to aid further growth of the country’s flagship air carrier. Recently, the airline revealed revenue of €6.4 billion and seating of 17 million passengers for 2023–2024, potentially generating much more. A major setback is that the airline’s current hub, Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, is reaching its capacity limits, prompting the need for expanded infrastructure.
The airport city will be delivered in phases. The first phase, which will allow the site to handle 60 million passengers, is expected to be finished in 2029.
“The project will enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and prioritise environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region’s air travel infrastructure,” says Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines’ Group.
The mega airport city is a testament to grandeur, featuring a 1.1 million square metre terminal with passenger facilities, 126,190 square metre airline support facilities, and over 100,000 square metre of cargo and airport support facilities.
Tariq Al-Qanni, director of operations in Ethiopia: “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 will provide Ethiopian Airlines with the facilities necessary to continue its expansion and compete with other major airlines in the region. Therefore, the airline has recently signed an agreement with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, a partner with the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects.
