Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most influential airline, has officially signed an agreement for the design of a new airport near Bishoftu, located approximately 45 kilometers from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. This new airport is set to become the largest on the continent once completed, featuring four runways and the capacity to handle an astonishing 100 million passengers each year. The ambitious infrastructure project, which will be designed by Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara, is expected to be fully operational by 2029.
The announcement signifies a major milestone not just for Ethiopian Airlines but for the entire aviation sector in Africa. Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shared these plans during a news conference, highlighting the critical role this development will play in the future of air travel in the region. The new airport is anticipated to serve as a pivotal hub for Ethiopian Airlines, significantly expanding the country’s aviation capacity and positioning it as a central player in global air travel.
Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the current main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, is nearing its maximum capacity, creating a pressing need for expansion. This existing airport can accommodate about 25 million passengers annually, but it is quickly approaching its operational limits. Tasew emphasized that the new airport would relieve this pressure and provide the necessary space for future growth. With this new facility, Ethiopian Airlines will be better equipped to serve its expanding customer base and strengthen its leadership position on the continent. The airline, which transported 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year, expects to see this number rise to 20 million in the upcoming year.
Sidara, the engineering firm tasked with designing the airport, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the demands of modern air travel. The planned four-runway configuration will ensure efficient operations, even during the busiest times, and provide ample space for aircraft movement. Additionally, the airport will feature parking facilities for up to 270 aircraft, further enhancing its operational capabilities. Tariq Al Qanni, Sidara’s director of operations, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering a design that adheres to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and Sidara is expected to result in an airport that will not only meet current needs but also anticipate future growth in air travel across Africa and beyond.
The financial aspect of the project is significant, with the first phase alone projected to cost at least $6 billion. Tasew noted that the funding for this massive undertaking will come from loans, and there are already companies that have shown interest in supporting the project. This substantial investment underscores the confidence that Ethiopian Airlines and its partners have in the future of the aviation industry in the region.
The construction phase of the project is scheduled to last five years, with the airport expected to be completed by 2029. This is an ambitious deadline. When it opens, the new airport will be a major hub for Ethiopian Airlines and will be instrumental in making Ethiopia a major player in the world of aviation. Ethiopian Airlines will be better able to compete internationally thanks to this new facility, which will also increase the airline’s operational capacity. Ethiopian Airlines will be able to provide better services and connectivity to its consumers by growing its capacities.
There are wider ramifications for Ethiopia and Africa at large from the construction of the new airport. Thousands of jobs are expected to be created throughout both the construction and operation phases, significantly boosting the local economy. This is in line with Ethiopia’s more general objectives of developing its infrastructure and economy. The airport will improve Ethiopia’s global connectivity and enable more investment, trade, and tourism—all of which will support the nation’s long-term development goals.
