By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Ethiopia, 10 January 2026 Ethiopia has formally launched construction of Bishoftu International Airport, the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history, during a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, First Lady Zinash Tayachew, and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Abiy described the project as a defining milestone in Ethiopia’s path toward modernization and prosperity, emphasizing that Ethiopian Airlines remains a source of national pride for its resilience, operational excellence, and leadership in advancing African aviation.
He noted that the carrier’s strength stems from a corporate culture that prioritizes safety and security, innovative and hardworking leadership, and a workforce of more than 26,000 employees committed to the airline’s national mission and continuous capacity building.
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Bishoftu International Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, at an elevation of 1,910 meters above sea level—conditions considered optimal for aircraft performance and efficient hub operations for both direct and transit flights. The project also includes a modern multi-lane expressway linking the airport to the capital, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed rail line with operating speeds ranging between 120 and 200 kilometers per hour.
The airport is expected to handle around 60 million passengers annually in its first phase, with capacity rising to 110 million passengers per year upon full completion of the master plan—further cementing Ethiopia’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
