Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially commenced the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, set to be Africa’s largest airport.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 10 January 2026, bringing together His Excellency Dr Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, members of the federal government, industry representatives, project stakeholders, and senior executives of Ethiopian Airlines.
During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines presented the design of the new airport and confirmed the completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said:This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.
Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian we are committed to realising the completion of this project.
Bishoftu International Airport is planned as a major aviation and logistics hub, aimed at supporting trade, tourism, and connectivity within Africa and internationally. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion by 2030 and is expected to handle up to 60 million passengers per year. Once fully developed, the airport is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually.
