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.
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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.
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
