Ethiopia’s 10 Billion USD Airport City Set to Transform Aviation, Tourism  

Addis Ababa, September 18, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia is poised to take a major leap forward in aviation, economic development, and regional connectivity with the launch of the Bishoftu International Airport City, a 10 billion USD investment project spearheaded by Ethiopian Airlines.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Zemedeneh Nigatu, CEO of CBE Capital Investment Bank and renowned economist, described the project as a transformative initiative for the country, the airline, and Africa as a whole.

“This is a transformational project, not just for Ethiopian Airlines, but for the Ethiopian economy and Africa at large,” Zemedeneh said. “It’s not just an airport it’s an airport city, a holistic development with hotels, shopping malls, and world-class facilities. It’s going to be a destination in itself.”

The project comes at a time when Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and among the top 30 globally, is experiencing rapid growth. Currently valued at around 8 billion USD, the airline is projected to expand to nearly 30 billion USD by 2040.

The Bishoftu Airport City is designed to accommodate this growth, providing the infrastructure necessary to compete with international aviation giants such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.

The new airport, situated approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, will initially handle 60 million passengers annually, with plans for future expansion exceeding 100 million. It will feature multiple runways, extensive cargo facilities, and state-of-the-art terminals, reinforcing Ethiopia’s position as a key aviation hub on the African continent.

Experts predict that the Bishoftu International Airport City will have wide-reaching economic impacts. According to Zemedeneh Nigatu, even a fraction of the airline’s 20 million annual passengers visiting Ethiopia could generate a million new tourists each year, significantly boosting the country’s economy.

 

The 10 billion USD investment is expected to create thousands of direct jobs in construction, aviation, logistics, hospitality, and retail, with additional indirect employment opportunities across the region. Moreover, the airport city will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional economic and investment hub, attracting both global and domestic investors.

Ethiopian Airlines itself is a major foreign currency earner for the country, and the new airport is expected to enhance these earnings, contributing significantly to national revenue.

The Bishoftu Airport City is not only an infrastructure project it is a strategic gateway linking Africa to the rest of the world. The airport will serve as a hub for passengers across the continent, enhancing regional integration, trade, and people-to-people connections.

“The airport city will promote greater connectivity for African travelers, allowing Ethiopia to become a central transit point between Africa and global destinations,” Zemedeneh explained.

The airport city will extend beyond aviation infrastructure, encompassing hotels, retail, logistics, and leisure facilities. Plans include the expansion of the Skylight Hotel brand, potentially establishing it as a regional or global African brand. This will not only support tourism but also enhance the overall passenger experience and economic value of the airport city.

The airline is currently focused on completing the resettlement sites for affected farmers, expected to be finalized by the end of September 2025. The relocation of residents is planned for November, followed by the official groundbreaking for the airport in early December.

“The groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for Ethiopia and African aviation,” Zemedeneh said. “This project combines modern infrastructure, economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity. It will shape the continent’s aviation and economic landscape for decades to come.”

The Bishoftu International Airport City is more than an airport it is a visionary project that positions Ethiopia at the forefront of aviation, tourism, and economic development in Africa.