Ethiopia commenced construction on Saturday of what is set to become Africa's largest airport, located in Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the project, describing it as the most significant aviation infrastructure development in the continent's history. The new facility is projected to cost around $12.7 billion and is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually upon reaching full capacity.
The ambitious five-year construction timeline aims to replace the existing Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which currently handles a maximum of 25 million passengers per year. The new hub will serve as a cornerstone of Ethiopia's multi-airport strategy, intended to secure the nation's position as Africa's primary aviation gateway. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the development will bolster Ethiopian Airlines' global standing, improve continental connectivity, and expand opportunities in trade and tourism.
The project encompasses extensive supporting infrastructure, including a multi-lane motorway connecting the airport directly to the capital and a 38-kilometer high-speed railway capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. Financing for the initiative includes a $500 million commitment from the African Development Bank, with ongoing negotiations involving the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the US Development Finance Corporation to secure additional funding.
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The airport will occupy a 35-square-kilometer site, and preparations have already involved the relocation of approximately 2,500 local farmers, who were resettled last year at a cost of $350 million, according to Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele. Despite persistent armed conflict in the Amhara and Oromia regions—where Bishoftu is situated—the government remains committed to attracting international tourism and reinforcing Ethiopia's role as a major intercontinental aviation hub.
Ethiopia, the continent's second-most populous nation with around 130 million people, has pursued several large-scale infrastructure initiatives in recent years. These include the official inauguration of Africa's largest dam in 2025 and ongoing extensive urban renewal programs across Addis Ababa and other key cities, reflecting the country's broader ambition to modernize its transportation and economic landscape.
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