Ethiopia Set to Overtake South Africa with Continent’s Largest Airport

January 13, 2026

Ethiopia has started building what could become Africa’s largest airport, a $12.5 billion project that aims to outpace South Africa’s or Tambo International and position the country as a continental aviation hub.

Construction has officially begun in Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres south-east of Addis Ababa, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laying a ceremonial plaque on Saturday to mark the start of work.
The airport, set to be fully operational by 2030, will have four runways, parking for 270 aircraft, and a projected capacity of 110 million passengers annually more than four times that of Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.
The project also includes a multi-lane motorway linking the airport to the capital and a 38-kilometre high-speed railway, designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
READ ALSO :
Ethiopia says the hub is part of a “multi-airport strategy” to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, expand African connectivity, and boost trade and tourism.
Funding will come from Ethiopian Airlines, international financiers, and the African Development Bank, officials said.
The project comes despite ongoing armed conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, where Bishoftu is located.
Authorities hope the airport will help attract foreign tourists and stimulate economic activity despite security challenges.
+ posts

Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

Prosper Okoye

Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Sudan Government Returns to Khartoum Amid Ongoing War

Next Story

Rivers Impeachment Crisis Deepens as Assembly Alleges Court Interference

Featured Stories

Latest from Africa

DR Congo Strikes M23 Rebels in Key Mining Areas

Government forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched drone strikes against M23 rebels in the country’s east, targeting areas around a strategic mining site, according to security and local sources. Fighting on Wednesday was concentrated near the town of

Cape Town Airport  Fire Disrupts International Flights

A fire at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday caused major disruption to flight operations, forcing the temporary suspension of international departures and the diversion of inbound flights. The blaze, which broke out near the international terminal in the morning, led to

Sierra Leone Honours Nigerian Military Officers for Peace Efforts

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has awarded national honours to two senior Nigerian military officers in recognition of their contributions to peace and regional stability. The awards were presented during the 17th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Republic

Mugabe’s Son Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Shooting

Bellarmine Chatunga, the son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in South Africa following an alleged shooting at his residence in Johannesburg. Police say the incident took place at his home in the upmarket Hyde Park suburb, where an
Previous Story

Sudan Government Returns to Khartoum Amid Ongoing War

Next Story

Rivers Impeachment Crisis Deepens as Assembly Alleges Court Interference

Don't Miss

University of Mauritius Develops Breast Cancer Awareness App with Support from Oracle

Over 1,000 users benefit from cancer prevention service running on
Burna Boy Sets Record With Highest Grossing Venue

Burna Boy Makes Grammy History With Four Nominations

Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, has once again etched his mark