The facility will feature four runways and space for up to 270 aircraft.

The new Ethiopian airport

The new Ethiopian airport will be the biggest in Africa (Image: Ethopian Airlines)

Ethiopia has begun construction of what is set to become Africa's largest new airport, a £9.3 billion mega‑hub near Bishoftu that could eventually handle up to 110 million passengers a year.

Construction of the Bishoftu International Airport officially began in early January 2026, with Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian government leading the development of the greenfield site about 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Initially planned to open in phases, the first stage will accommodate 60 million passengers a year, with future expansion phases increasing capacity to 110 million. The facility will feature four runways and space for up to 270 aircraft. The airport is set to become Africa's most ambitious aviation infrastructure project.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, will operate the new hub, which is scheduled to come online by 2030. The project forms a core part of the airline's long‑term strategy to bolster its global footprint and support economic development in Ethiopia, expanding trade, tourism and passenger connectivity across continents.

Strategic advantages of the Bishoftu site include a significantly lower elevation than the existing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, allowing aircraft to take off with heavier fuel and cargo loads, enabling longer direct flights. Connectivity enhancements such as a dedicated high‑speed rail link and multi‑lane motorway to the capital are also planned.

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The airport is being planned as a completely-integrated "Airport City" in Africa, boasting cargo hubs, hotels, commercial zones, logistics parks, and maintenance units.

Beyond access to the rest of the Continent, there are plenty of reasons to visit Ethiopia. The country has a unique blend of ancient history, kept alive through the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, diverse landscapes in the Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression, and rare wildlife. The Ethiopian wolf and gelada baboon are two rare beasts that live here.