Ethiopia has broken ground on Bishoftu International Airport, a multi-billion-dollar project set to become the largest aviation infrastructure development in Africa, with a planned capacity of 110 million passengers annually.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior officials launched the project Saturday during a groundbreaking ceremony about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.
The new airport is designed to relieve pressure on Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded limit of 25 million passengers per year.
“This is a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward modernization and prosperity,” Abiy said.
He called Ethiopian Airlines “a source of national pride,” crediting its success to a corporate culture rooted in “creativity, hard work,” and a commitment to safety and learning.
The first phase of Bishoftu International Airport will handle up to 60 million passengers per year.
Located at 1,910 meters above sea level, the site was selected for its favorable conditions for aircraft performance and operational efficiency.
The airport forms part of a multi-airport strategy tied to Ethiopia’s economic reform program and long-term aviation plan.
The project includes a multi-lane highway and a 38-kilometer high-speed rail line linking Bishoftu to the capital, with trains expected to reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.
The development aims to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global hub role, expand Africa’s air connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and boost trade and tourism corridors across the region.
It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy.
