Ethiopia has taken a major step to improve its aviation infrastructure by signing an agreement to design a new airport near Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres from Addis Ababa.
Led by Ethiopian Airlines, the project aims to create the largest airport in Africa, and should be completed by 2029.
The planned airport will feature four runways and is designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, surpassing the capacity of any existing airport on the continent.
The new airport is expected to ease congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is approaching its capacity limit of 25 million passengers per year.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the project had the potential to significantly boost the land-locked country’s economy and improve global connectivity.
He highlighted that the airport would serve as a transport hub while reflecting Ethiopian cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices.
The design contract has been awarded to Dubai-based engineering firm Sidara, in collaboration with architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects.
The partnership aims to develop a modern, efficient facility, with the first phase of construction focused on essential infrastructure and a new terminal.
Referred to as the ‘Mega Airport City’, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Ethiopia as a key aviation hub in Africa.
The airport's lower elevation compared with the existing facility is expected to reduce the operational challenges associated with high-altitude airports. The project represents a significant investment in Ethiopia's aviation sector and is expected to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth in the region.
As the project advances, it is anticipated that Ethiopian Airlines' position as a leading airline in Africa will be strengthened and Ethiopia's profile will be raised on the global stage.
