Ethiopia has entered a transformative chapter in its aviation history with the launch of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. On January 10, 2026, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew to lay the cornerstone of a project that will redefine the country’s role in global aviation. The new airport will support Ethiopia’s rapid economic growth and rising air travel demand while positioning the nation as Africa’s premier aviation hub.
The new airport answers a pressing reality. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has reached its operational limits and continues to face congestion as Ethiopian Airlines expands its fleet and global routes. The new facility in Bishoftu will meet the increasing needs of both passenger and cargo travel as Ethiopia strengthens its role in international connectivity.
What Makes Bishoftu International Airport Stand Out
Located roughly 40 to 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, Bishoftu International Airport will host one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructures in Africa. Once completed, the airport will handle up to 110 million passengers a year. This capacity matches major global hubs that serve as international transit crossroads.
The airport will feature four parallel runways and more than 1.1 million square meters of terminal space in its first phase. Ethiopian aviation officials have confirmed that phase one will open around 2029 or 2030 with two runways and a terminal designed for 60 million travelers annually. This phased rollout strategy allows the airport to begin relieving pressure from Bole long before full project completion.
Aircraft slot capacity also plays a crucial role in future growth. Bishoftu will accommodate up to 270 aircraft on the ground at one time. This capacity ensures shorter turnaround times, smoother traffic management, and greater flexibility for international scheduling.
Airport City: Tourism, Commerce, and Logistics Converge
Bishoftu International Airport goes far beyond aviation infrastructure. The project includes an “Airport City” concept that merges travel, tourism, commerce, and logistics into one integrated ecosystem. This vision aligns with Ethiopia’s long-term economic goals as a gateway for African trade and tourism.
Key components include:
Cargo and Logistics Hub
Bishoftu will include a cargo terminal able to handle up to 1.5 million tonnes of goods a year. This will support Ethiopia’s strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area and position the country as a logistics leader for African and global supply chains.
High-Speed Rail Connectivity
A 38-kilometer high-speed rail system will link Bishoftu to Addis Ababa within 20 to 25 minutes. Trains will reach speeds up to 200 km/h and integrate with the city’s existing light rail network. This rail connection will reshape mobility for both residents and travelers by reducing transfer times dramatically.
Smart Highway Corridor
A new smart highway will also connect the airport to the capital. The drive will take 35 to 45 minutes due to improved lane capacity and smart traffic systems. This highway ensures strong redundancy alongside the high-speed rail system.
Tourism and Hospitality Development
The airport’s terminal complex will feature a 350-room hotel, retail center, and recreational facilities. Visitors with long layovers will have access to Bishoftu’s nearby crater lakes and resort areas. This micro-tourism model can increase traveler spending while showcasing Ethiopia’s natural attractions.
Global Funding and African Support
The airport’s $12.5 billion cost marks one of the largest infrastructure investments in Ethiopian history. Ethiopian Airlines will contribute 30 percent of the funding, while the African Development Bank has secured $500 million and coordinated nearly $9 billion in global financing from partners in Europe, the Middle East, China, and North America.
The level of international participation reflects growing confidence in Ethiopia’s aviation strategy. African governments also support the initiative due to its potential to strengthen continental travel networks and reduce reliance on airports outside Africa for long-haul travel connections.
Boosting Tourism and Global Connectivity
Tourism in Ethiopia continues to expand as cultural sites, natural attractions, and business travel increase in volume. Bishoftu International Airport will play a central role in this growth. Travel analysts note that international visitors often connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs before reaching Africa. Bishoftu aims to shorten this journey and make Ethiopia a primary entry point instead of a secondary connection.
The airport will support fast international transfers with a target connection time of under 45 minutes. This performance benchmark will place the airport among the fastest international hubs for transit flows. Ethiopia intends to capture significant long-haul passenger traffic from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East through this model.
A Vision for the Future
Phase one of the airport will open by 2029 or 2030, while full completion will follow in subsequent stages. Once operational, Bishoftu will replace Bole as Ethiopia’s main international airport. Ethiopian Airlines will then use Bishoftu as its central base for passenger operations, cargo logistics, and fleet expansion.
With its massive scale, connectivity infrastructure, and tourism integration, Bishoftu International Airport stands ready to elevate Ethiopia as Africa’s premier aviation gateway and reshape the continent’s role in global travel.
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