Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline, has officially commenced construction of the Bishoftu International Airport, marking a major milestone in the continent’s aviation development.
The construction began on Friday, January 10, 2026, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony attended by top government officials, industry leaders and key stakeholders.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister, together with high-level officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mesfin Tasew, unveiled the project plaque, symbolising the official commencement of construction works.
At the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines also unveiled the architectural design of the new airport and announced the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project.
The airline noted that the programme was implemented to ensure that local residents were adequately supported and integrated into the development process.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Mr Mesfin Tasew described the occasion as a defining moment not only for Ethiopian Airlines but for African aviation as a whole.
He said the Bishoftu International Airport project represents a bold step towards transforming the continent’s aviation ecosystem.
“This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa,” Mr Tasew said. “We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.”
He further noted that the airport would play a strategic role in closing Africa’s aviation infrastructure gap and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, the new facility is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, trade and economic integration across the continent.
“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the AfCFTA, and at Ethiopian we are committed to realising the completion of this project,” the CEO added.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed described the groundbreaking as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards modernisation and prosperity.
He praised Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride and resilience, noting that the airline’s success has been shaped not by the absence of challenges, but by its ability to overcome them and lead by example across Africa.
The Prime Minister attributed the airline’s enduring success to its strong corporate culture, which prioritises safety and security, promotes leadership driven by creativity and hard work, and is sustained by a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who are deeply committed to the airline’s mission as Ethiopia’s flag carrier.
He also highlighted the airline’s continuous investment in learning, training and capacity building as a critical pillar of its growth.
Bishoftu International Airport is expected to become a defining project for both Ethiopian and African aviation, serving as a major hub for passenger and cargo traffic while facilitating trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges within Africa and beyond.
Phase One of the project is scheduled for completion by 2030 and is projected to handle up to 60 million passengers annually.
Upon full completion, the airport is expected to have the capacity to accommodate as many as 110 million passengers per year, positioning it among the largest and most significant aviation hubs in the world.
Credits: Ethiopian Airlines
