Ethiopian Airlines has taken a bold step towards transforming Africa’s aviation landscape by signing a landmark contract with Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm, Dar Al-Handasah, to design the continent’s largest airport.
The ambitious project, set to be located near the town of Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers annually—four times the current capacity of Bole Addis Ababa International Airport.
Slated for completion by 2029, the first phase of this mega-project is expected to cost a staggering US$6 billion and will initially accommodate 60 million passengers. The state-of-the-art facility will boast a 1.1 million square metre terminal with world-class passenger amenities, over 126,000 square metres dedicated to airline support facilities, and more than 100,000 square metres allocated for cargo and airport operations. Additionally, the airport will feature four runways and the ability to park 270 aircraft.
This new airport emerges in response to the growing demand at Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, which is rapidly approaching its capacity of 25 million passengers per year. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew hailed the project as a critical step in positioning Ethiopia as a global aviation hub. “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region’s air travel infrastructure,” Tasew said.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, is no stranger to growth. The airline served over 17 million passengers during the 2023/24 financial year and anticipates handling about 20 million passengers in the 2024/25 financial year. The airline’s extensive network spans 60 key airports across Africa and extends to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, India, the Far East, Australia, North America, and South America.
Dar Al-Handasah’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia, Tariq Al-Qanni, expressed excitement over the collaboration, stating, “We are privileged to be collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines in this visionary new airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and competitive aviation group.”
The design of the new airport will also pay homage to Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, with architecture that reflects the nation’s identity while prioritising sustainability, resilience, and future-readiness.
This project not only underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ ambitious vision but also signifies a major leap forward in the country’s aspiration to become a key player in global aviation.
