Ethiopia has launched construction of the continent’s most ambitious airport project in Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, aiming to transform the country into Africa’s leading aviation hub.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally marked the start of the five-year build on Saturday.
Project Highlights
- Cost: $12.7 billion
- Size: 35 square kilometers
- Capacity: 110 million passengers per year (compared to Bole’s current 25 million)
The new facility will solve overcrowding at Bole International Airport and give Ethiopian Airlines room to expand its global network.
Smart Transport Connections
To link the airport seamlessly to the capital, two major projects are underway:
- A new high-capacity motorway for fast road access
- A 38-kilometer high-speed rail line with trains reaching 200 km/h, cutting travel time to minutes
Funding and Partnerships
Ethiopian Airlines is providing major initial capital, while international support includes:
- $500 million already committed by the African Development Bank
- Ongoing talks with the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank and U.S. Development Finance Corporation
Addressing Local Impact
About 2,500 farmers were relocated last year to make way for the site, with a $350 million resettlement program ensuring new homes and support.
Part of Ethiopia’s Mega-Vision
The airport joins other landmark projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Addis Ababa’s urban renewal, reinforcing Ethiopia’s ambition to become a global transport and economic powerhouse.
Despite security concerns in some regions, officials see world-class infrastructure as a way to attract tourism and investment.
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