Ethiopia Unveils Ambitious USD 12.5 Billion Bishoftu International Airport Plan, Set to Become Africa’s Largest Gateway by 2030
Ethiopia has announced a landmark infrastructure drive that is poised to redefine Africa’s aviation future, unveiling detailed progress on the development of the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) – a massive greenfield airport project envisioned to become the continent’s largest and most technically advanced air transport hub.
The project, situated approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Addis Ababa, is designed to alleviate mounting capacity pressure at the bustling Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has experienced significant passenger growth over the past decade and now requires major expansion support.
Against the backdrop of Africa’s rapidly rising aviation demand – projected by IATA to double passenger traffic across the continent by 2040 – Ethiopia intends to seize first-mover advantage with an airport capable of matching global mega-hub standards.
The project adopts a phased development strategy responsive to traffic demand, operational requirements, and long-term planning targets.
The first phase of BIA, valued at an estimated USD 12.5 billion, is scheduled for completion by 2030. When operational, it will have the capacity to process 60 million passengers annually, instantly placing Ethiopia among the world’s major connecting airports.
Upon full development, the airport will boast an extraordinary 110 million-passenger annual capacity, surpassing existing or planned African airports and creating a transformative node for trade, tourism, cargo logistics and intercontinental travel.
“This monumental project marks a historic leap in Africa’s aviation journey,” said Mr Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “With its cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and unparalleled connectivity, the new airport positions Ethiopia to become the aviation capital of Africa. I urge financers around the globe to join us in supporting this ambitious project and to take part in this momentous milestone.”
The Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG), Africa’s largest and consistently profitable airline, is spearheading the development with strong institutional support.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is serving as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger (IMLA), providing early-stage structuring and financing leadership for the multibillion-dollar build.
Technical advisory support is being provided by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Dar), while KPMG serves as financial advisor. Legal advisory services are being handled by Clyde & Co.
In a significant step forward, EAG has released the Project Information Memorandum, Financial Model and supporting documentation to prospective lenders – a critical milestone signalling the project’s advance toward financial close.
Simultaneously, prequalification for EPC contractors is ongoing, with formal bid submissions expected by mid-December 2025, indicating strong readiness to transition from planning to procurement and eventual construction.
The momentum behind the project is set to intensify as Bishoftu International Airport will be a headline showcase at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, scheduled for 26–28 November 2025.
The platform is expected to attract wide investor interest from development finance institutions, commercial banks, export credit agencies and institutional funds eager to participate in one of Africa’s most ambitious aviation and infrastructure endeavours.
With its unrivalled scale, strategic design and geopolitical positioning, Bishoftu International Airport is set to become a defining symbol of Ethiopia’s national development ambitions and a beacon of African transformation in global aviation.
The project is widely viewed as a catalyst that will not only expand Ethiopia’s economic horizons but also strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in international air travel and commerce for decades to come.
