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Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with the African Development Bank (AFDB) to develop a new airport near Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines is partnering with the African Development Bank (AFDB) to develop a new airport near Addis Ababa. The $7.8 billion Bishoftu International Airport project will increase passenger capacity in Ethiopia from 17 million to over 60 million per year by 2040. This will make it Africa's largest airport when completed.
The partnership is expected to address the growing demand for air travel and freight services that currently Bole International Airport cannot accommodate. Located about 40km southeast of Addis Ababa, the new airport, when fully operated, handles more than 100 million passengers each year.
In August 2024, Ethiopian Airlines signed a memorandum with Dubai-based consulting firm DAR to design the new facility. The project is expected to be completed in five years and is expected to significantly strengthen Ethiopia's economic development while increasing Africa's global air connections. Mega Airports will strengthen their position as Africa's leading aviation hub.
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Key takeout
The Bishoftu International Airport Project highlights the growing demand for air travel in Africa, particularly in East Africa. This is becoming an important player in aviation around the world. Ethiopian Airlines' initiative highlights the continent's ambition to develop world-class infrastructure that can handle rising passengers and cargo volumes. With the support of the African Development Bank, the mega airport will not only promote trade and tourism, but also contribute to Ethiopia's broader economic growth and regional integration in Africa. This development marks a transition to stronger connectivity within Africa and greater investment in the continental aviation infrastructure.
