Ethiopia is building Africa’s largest airport for $12.5 billion: All you need to know
For decades, flying between African cities has often required a frustrating detour. Travellers moving from Lagos to Nairobi or Accra to Dar es Salaam frequently pass through London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or Dubai International before reaching destinations that are geographically closer.
It reflects a long-standing gap in Africa’s aviation connectivity despite a population of over 1.4 billion people across 54 countries.
That reality is now being challenged. Ethiopia has begun construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion aviation hub that could redefine how Africa connects internally and with the rest of the world.
The project is designed not only to ease pressure on existing infrastructure but to reposition the continent within global air travel networks.
Project overview
The new airport is located about 40 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, near Bishoftu. It was officially launched on 10 January 2026 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, with construction already underway. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2030.
The development is being led by Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size, passengers, and revenue. Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew has confirmed that the airline will fund about 30% of the project, equivalent to roughly $4.5 billion.
The remaining $8 billion is being sourced through partnerships involving the United States, China, Italy, and the African Development Bank, which has already committed at least $500 million.
Bishoftu International Airport is being built on a scale never seen on the continent. Phase one will include two runways and capacity for 60 million passengers annually.
At full capacity, the airport will expand to four runways, accommodate 270 aircraft, and handle up to 110 million passengers each year. This would place it ahead of the world’s busiest airports by passenger traffic.
The location offers a strategic advantage. It sits nearly 400 metres lower than Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which is approaching its 25 million passenger limit and cannot expand further.
Lower elevation and longer runways will allow aircraft to carry heavier loads, improve fuel efficiency, and support longer direct routes
