Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched construction of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, a massive infrastructure project designed to become Africa’s largest aviation hub upon completion.
According to a statement by the airline, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 10, 2026, and attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior officials as well as Ethiopian Airlines executives.
Ethiopian also unveiled the airport’s design and highlighted the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration project for the affected communities of the project area. F.D.R.E Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed alongside high-level government officials, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, placed the plaque marking the official commencement of the construction.
Reflecting on the groundbreaking ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew remarked: “This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services. Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian we are committed to realize the completion of this project.”
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed described the day as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward modernization and prosperity. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines is a source of national pride, not because it has been free of challenges, but because of its resilience, its ability to overcome obstacles, and its role as a trailblazer for Africa. He emphasized that the airline’s greatest strength lies in its strong corporate culture, built on: Giving priority to safety and security, leadership driven by creativity and hard work, a workforce of over 26,000 employees who believe in the airline as their flag carrier and honor what it represents, a continuous commitment to learning and capacity building.
Bishoftu International Airport stands as a defining project for both Ethiopian and African aviation, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions within Africa and beyond. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will accommodate 60 million passengers annually and when fully completed it will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers.
