Ethiopia Breaks Ground on Bishoftu International Airport
By Willie Bodenstein
26.04.2026
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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest airline, has officially commenced construction of the ambitious Bishoftu International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the continent's aviation development. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 10 January 2026, was attended by Abiy Ahmed, along with senior government officials, industry leaders, stakeholders, and executives from the airline.
The event also saw the unveiling of the airport's design, alongside confirmation that resettlement and livelihood restoration programmes for affected communities have been successfully completed. In a symbolic moment, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew jointly placed a commemorative plaque to mark the official start of construction.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mesfin Tasew described the project as a transformative step not only for Ethiopian Airlines but for Africa as a whole. He emphasised that the new airport will play a crucial role in addressing infrastructure constraints, supporting the airline's rapidly growing passenger and cargo operations, and advancing continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the airline's role as a source of national pride, noting that its success is rooted in resilience, innovation, and a deeply embedded culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous learning. He praised the airline's workforce and leadership for building an organisation that stands as a benchmark for aviation excellence across Africa.
Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport is set to become one of the largest aviation hubs in the world. Phase One, expected by 2030, will accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually, eventually expanding to a capacity of 110 million passengers per year.
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport is far more than an infrastructure project, it is a bold statement of intent. As African aviation continues its upward trajectory, this development positions Ethiopia, and indeed the continent, at the forefront of global air transport, reinforcing connectivity, trade, and economic growth for decades to come.
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