Bishoftu Airport, Africa’s biggest aviation hub

Construction has begun in Bishoftu on what Ethiopia asserts will be Africa's largest airport and the continent's most extensive aviation infrastructure development. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed formally inaugurated the construction on Saturday, laying a ceremonial plaque at the site, which is located 45 kilo-meters Southeast of Addis Ababa.

**Funding**

The ambitious project was initially estimated to cost $10 billion, but this figure was later adjusted to $12.5 billion due to inflation and other modifications. Ethiopian Airlines will finance 30 percent of the construction, with the remaining 70 percent provided by other international institutions. The Africa Development Bank has already supplied a $500 million loan and is leading efforts to secure an additional $8.7 billion. Financial institutions and investors from the Middle East, China, Europe, and the United States have all expressed interest in supporting this significant undertaking.

**Capacity**

The new airport, once operational, is designed to accommodate 270 aircraft simultaneously and handle up to 110 million passengers annually. This state-owned facility will feature four runways, establishing it as the largest aviation hub on the continent. Initially, it is projected to serve 60 million passengers each year, with its capacity expanding to 110 million annual passengers in later phases. The development also includes a multi-lane express way to connect the new complex to the capital, along with a 38-kilometre high-speed railway that the Prime Minister indicated would reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

**Why Bishoftu Instead of Bole?**

The decision to build in Bishoftu arises from the fact that Bole International Airport, Ethiopia's existing primary airport, is expected to reach its full capacity within the next three years. Bishoftu offers significantly more potential, providing four times the capacity of Bole, which currently manages up to 25 million travellers per year.


Reference
by michael oduor  Facts about the new Bishoftu Airport set to become Africa’s biggest aviation hub
africanews.com  Available at: https://www.africanews.com/2026/01/13/facts-about-the-new-bishoftu-airport-set-to-become-africas-biggest-aviation-hub/
(Assessed: 20th January 2026)