BISHOFTU — Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has formally launched construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a US$12.5 billion greenfield development that is set to become the largest airport in Africa once completed. A New African Aviation Mega-HubDesigned as a future continental gateway, Bishoftu International Airport will feature four runways and aircraft parking capacity for up to 270 aircraft. When fully operational, the airport is planned to handle around 110 million passengers annually, placing it among the world’s largest aviation hubs. Relieving Pressure on Addis AbabaThe new airport is intended to ease congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, currently Ethiopia’s main international gateway. Strategic SignificanceOnce completed, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to transform Ethiopian Airlines’ hub-and-spoke operations, providing long-term capacity for fleet growth and reinforcing Addis Ababa’s position as a leading intercontinental transfer point between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Source: Ethiopian News January 12, 2026 13:03 UTC