PM Abiy Launches Construction of Bishoftu International Airport - ENA English
PM Abiy Launches Construction of Bishoftu International Airport
Addis Ababa, January 10, 2026 (ENA)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed early this morning laid the cornerstone for the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a major national project aimed at supporting Ethiopia’s fast-growing aviation sector and the expanding global operations of Ethiopian Airlines.
In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister stated that the new mega airport is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded annual handling capacity of 25 million passengers.
He noted that the development forms part of a broader multi-airport strategy designed to secure Ethiopia’s long-term role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.
According to the Prime Minister, Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.
He emphasized that the project aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy.
“It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy. The project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity under the AfCFTA framework, expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental hub,” he noted.
Bishoftu International Airport will be located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters.
The location offers favorable conditions for aircraft performance and the efficient handling of both transit and origin-destination passengers, while its proximity to the capital will allow seamless integration with the existing aviation ecosystem.
The first phase of the project is planned to accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually.
Once fully completed, the airport’s master plan capacity is expected to reach 110 million passengers per year, placing Ethiopia among the world’s leading aviation hubs, the Premier pointed out.