World Construction Network

Construction begins on $12.5bn Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia

The airport is designed to handle 110 million passengers annually at full scale.

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the start of construction on Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) in Ethiopia, projected to become Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project.

The facility is designed to accommodate 60 million passengers annually upon completion of its first phase by 2030 and will eventually handle up to 110 million passengers per year. According to Reuters, the airport will provide parking for 270 aircraft, and the total investment in the project is estimated at $12.5bn.

Ethiopian Airlines Group unveiled the airport’s design as construction commenced and confirmed the completion of a resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project area.

BIA is situated approximately 40km southeast of Addis Ababa at an elevation of 1,910m. Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed said in a post on X that the airport's location enables the handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers, and its proximity to the capital allows for connection with the existing aviation infrastructure.

“Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history. It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialisation agenda, and long-term aviation strategy.

“The project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity under the AfCFTA framework, expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental hub,” Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed said.

The official groundbreaking took place on 10 January 2026. Dr Abiy Ahmed attended alongside ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders, stakeholders, and Ethiopian Airlines executives.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew placed a plaque to mark the start of construction works.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. 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 realise the completion of this project.”