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

The post Ethiopian Airlines Starts Bishoftu International Airport Construction first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

The CEO stated that the completion of the new Bishoftu International Airport will be a significant leap forward for Ethiopia’s aviation industry.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had previously mentioned the construction of Bishoftu International Airport as one of the new mega-projects to begin in the new Ethiopian year.

In a New Year’s message to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Mesfin Tasew extended his best wishes for a year of joy, love, and prosperity to all Ethiopians, as well as the airline’s customers and employees.

He emphasized that Ethiopian Airlines is a national institution that requires continuous hard work.

He credited the airline’s success and ability to overcome challenges to the unwavering support from the government, the dedication of the airline’s and board management, and the diligence of its staff.

Mesfin noted that hard work and success are hallmarks of the airline, highlighting its continued growth in the past year, which included opening new flight routes and expanding its airport infrastructure.

He further explained that preparations have been finalized to begin the construction of new Bishoftu International Airport project in the 2018 fiscal year.

The CEO revealed that the relocation of farmers from the project site is underway, with the construction of new housing nearing completion. He stated that the airline is currently seeking financing for the airport’s construction.

Mesfin also noted that the Bishoftu airport will feature a modern terminal, ranking it among the world’s major airports and solidifying Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation as a global aviation leader.

Regarding future plans, Mesfin stated that the airline’s “Vision 2035” has been revised to “Vision 2040,” with the new plan to be unveiled soon.

He added that the airline is already taking steps to provide enhanced service to its customers. The CEO also mentioned that the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport will be modernized to provide international-standard service for domestic flights. Additionally, he announced that Ethiopian Airlines is set to open new routes in the New Year to offer convenient and efficient flight services to its customers.

Credits: Ethiopian Airlines

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