Bishoftu International Airport construction begins with US$12.5bn investment in Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines began construction on Bishoftu International Airport on 10 January 2026; the US$12.5bn project is planned to handle 60 million passengers in its first phase by 2030.

Ethiopian Airlines has started construction of Bishoftu International Airport near Bishoftu, about 40km southeast of Addis Ababa. The airline unveiled the airport design as work began on 10 January 2026, with Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed and other officials attending the groundbreaking. Officials framed the project as part of national economic reforms and a long-term aviation strategy. A resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for affected communities was reported as complete. Key details: - Project cost reported as US$12.5 billion. - First phase planned to accommodate 60 million passengers annually by 2030, with eventual capacity cited at up to 110 million passengers per year. - Reuters reported the airport will provide parking for 270 aircraft. - The site is about 40km southeast of Addis Ababa at an elevation of 1,910m. - The official groundbreaking took place on 10 January 2026, with Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopian Airlines executives present. - Ethiopian officials described the airport as supporting origin-destination and transit passengers and aligning with AfCFTA and industrialisation goals. Summary: Officials say the project is intended to expand Ethiopia's aviation capacity and regional connectivity while aligning with national economic plans. The first phase is planned for completion by 2030; specific subsequent construction milestones were not specified in the announcement.