By Business Insider Reporter
Ethiopia has taken a decisive step toward reshaping Africa’s aviation landscape with the official groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport, a mega infrastructure project set to become the largest airport on the continent once completed.
At a ceremony held on January 10, Ethiopian Airlines Group unveiled the airport’s design and confirmed the completion of a major resettlement and livelihood restoration programme, clearing the way for full-scale construction near Bishoftu, about 40 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew described the project as transformational not only for the airline but for Africa as a whole.
“This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We are embarking on a new chapter with the ground-breaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem,” Tasew said.
“The project addresses Africa’s infrastructure gap and will play a key role in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
A response to rapid growth
The new airport is designed to ease mounting pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has struggled to keep pace with Ethiopian Airlines’ rapid expansion. Bole currently handles more than 20 million passengers annually and operates near capacity, despite multiple upgrades.
Under Phase One, scheduled for completion by 2030, Bishoftu International Airport will be able to handle 60 million passengers per year. Once fully developed, capacity will rise to 110 million passengers annually, placing it among the largest airports globally – not just in Africa.
The scale reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term growth strategy. The carrier is Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, destinations and revenue, serving over 140 international and domestic routes and positioning Addis Ababa as a critical global transit hub linking Africa with Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Cargo, trade and AfCFTA ambitions
Beyond passengers, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to become a major cargo and logistics hub, strengthening Ethiopia’s role in global supply chains. Ethiopian Airlines already operates Africa’s largest air cargo network, transporting pharmaceuticals, perishables and e-commerce goods.
Analysts say the new airport could significantly boost intra-African trade by lowering logistics costs and improving connectivity – a core objective of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With AfCFTA, Africa needs efficient hubs that can move people and goods quickly across borders,” said an Addis-based aviation analyst. “Bishoftu positions Ethiopia at the centre of that future.”
Economic and social impact
The project is also expected to generate thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while stimulating investment in surrounding areas through hotels, logistics parks and supporting infrastructure.
Ethiopian Airlines confirmed that the resettlement process for affected communities has been completed in line with international standards, with compensation and livelihood restoration programmes already implemented.
Raising the bar for African aviation
Africa has long lagged behind other regions in aviation infrastructure, despite fast-growing passenger demand. Major hubs such as Dubai, Istanbul and Doha have capitalised on this gap, capturing intercontinental traffic that might otherwise transit through African cities.
By building Bishoftu International Airport, Ethiopia is signalling its intent to keep that traffic – and the associated economic value – within the continent. Once complete, the airport is expected to elevate Ethiopia’s status as Africa’s premier aviation gateway, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a diplomatic, commercial and logistical crossroads – and setting a new benchmark for infrastructure-led growth across Africa.
