Ethiopia Envisions Building Large Regional Hub Like Dubai or Doha: CNN

Addis Ababa, April 24, 2026 (ENA) —The major American multinational news channel Cable News Network (CNN) revealed that Ethiopia wants its planned 12.5-billion-U.S.-dollar mega-airport to be for Africa what Dubai or Doha is for the Middle East.

CNN quoted Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew as saying that the national carrier aims to make "the new airport to be for Africa what Dubai or Doha is for the Middle East — a large regional hub with strong international connectivity."

Ethiopia has embarked on what is described as Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure project, the Cable News Network stated, adding that the mega-airport could redefine connectivity across the continent.

The new Bishoftu International Airport, located about 30 miles southeast of Addis Ababa, is expected to significantly ease long-standing travel challenges faced by African passengers, it was noted.

Flying between African cities has often required transit through global hubs such as London, Paris, or Dubai. However, the construction of the new airport is set to change this pattern by enabling more direct intra-African and international connections.

According to CNN, the Airline's ambition reflects Ethiopia’s broader strategy to position itself at the center of Africa’s rapidly growing aviation market.

It noted that the airport, scheduled for completion in 2030, will initially handle up to 60 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 110 million passengers.

This would place it among the busiest airports globally, surpassing even some of the world’s current top aviation hubs.

The huge project is being spearheaded by Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline by several key metrics, further strengthening the country’s leadership in the aviation sector.

The airline plans to directly finance a significant portion of the project, while additional funding is being negotiated with international partners.

CNN emphasized that Addis Ababa is already one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs, but the existing Bole International Airport is nearing its capacity limits, necessitating a larger and more advanced facility.

Highlighting the broader impact, the news network CNN pointed out that the new airport is expected to play a crucial role in connecting African skies and unlocking the continent’s aviation potential.

Africa is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, and improved connectivity could accelerate trade and mobility.

The airport will also significantly enhance cargo capacity, supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enabling the handling of millions of tons of freight annually, CNN reported.

It further stated that the airport’s design, led by internationally renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, will reflect Ethiopia’s natural and cultural diversity. The terminal will be inspired by the Great Rift Valley, offering travelers a unique experience that captures the essence of Ethiopia and Africa.

Quoting the project’s designers, CNN said transit passengers will “feel and touch Africa,” as the airport integrates open spaces, gardens, and culturally inspired architecture, creating a distinctive identity for the facility.

Moreover, sustainability is a key priority, with the project incorporating environmentally conscious features such as solar energy, locally sourced materials, and innovative water management systems.

Ethiopia’s mega-airport project is part of a broader wave of aviation investments across Africa, but its scale and ambition set it apart as a potential game-changer for continental connectivity, according to CNN.

The report also underscored that the success of such a transformative project will depend on continued collaboration among African airlines and supportive policy frameworks aimed at enhancing seamless air travel across the continent.