Ethiopia has started building what will be Africa's biggest airport in Bishoftu, near Addis Ababa, as part of its ambitious infrastructure push. The $12.5 billion project aims to handle 110 million passengers a year and is led by Ethiopian Airlines. This follows the recent inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, highlighting the country's growing capabilities.
Ethiopia marked a major milestone on January 10, 2026, when construction began on the Bishoftu International Airport, described by officials as Africa's largest when completed in 2030. The project, costing $12.5 billion, will feature four runways and capacity for 110 million passengers annually, along with space to park hundreds of aircraft. This represents more than four times the passenger capacity of the current main airport in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, the continent's largest carrier, is spearheading the design and providing about 30 percent of the financing, with the rest covered by international lenders and development partners. Early earthworks are already in progress, with full construction set to continue through 2030. The airport forms part of Ethiopia's multi-airport strategy to solidify its position as a key aviation gateway for Africa.
This initiative comes shortly after the September 2025 inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Funded largely domestically, including contributions from Ethiopians abroad, GERD is Africa's biggest hydroelectric facility, designed to produce over 5,000 megawatts of power. It is expected to more than double the nation's electricity output, enhance water management, reduce flood risks, and support irrigation.
Together, these projects underscore Ethiopia's ability to undertake large-scale endeavors. Officials note that the new airport will ease pressures on existing facilities, improve continental and global links, foster commerce and tourism, and generate jobs in aviation and logistics. As one report states, it will 'future-proof' Ethiopia's role in African air transport.
