Ethiopian Airlines Group to Construct Biggest Airport in Africa
Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to construct a new airport in Ethiopia, which is projected to be the largest in Africa, with an estimated cost of $7.8 billion.
This ambitious project aims to significantly enhance the aviation infrastructure in the region and is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic development.
The collaboration was formalized through a letter of intent signed on March 14, 2025, in the presence of key government officials, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards becoming a leading aviation hub on the continent.
The Project is estimated to cost $7.8 billion and will have capacity increased from 17 million to over 60 million passengers annually by 2040.
Strategic Importance aims at enhancing Ethiopia’s position as a major aviation hub in Africa. The economic impact is expected to drive economic growth and improve global air connectivity.
The new airport, officially named Bishoftu International Airport, is meticulously designed to comprehensively address the rapidly growing demand for both international and domestic passenger and cargo services.
The current Bole International Airport, located in Addis Ababa, is nearing its maximum capacity, which makes this expansion not just necessary but imperative for the future of air travel in the region.
The ambitious project is spearheaded by Ethiopian Airlines Group, a key player in the aviation industry, which aims to reinforce its status as Africa’s leading aviation group and a significant contributor to the continent’s connectivity.
The new facility will not only accommodate a significantly larger number of passengers but will also enhance a variety of essential aviation services, including but not limited to cargo transport, flight catering, and aircraft maintenance, thereby setting a new standard for air travel in Ethiopia and beyond.
Significance of the Partnership
The signing ceremony was attended by Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and AfDB Group President Akinwumi Adesina, both of whom play pivotal roles in shaping the economic landscape of the nation and the continent.
Minister Shide expressed heartfelt gratitude for the AfDB’s ongoing support, which includes over $1.2 billion in investments across key sectors in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of such financial backing in driving sustainable development and growth.
Adesina referred to the airport project as a flagship initiative for Africa, emphasizing its immense potential to boost economic development and enhance the continent’s global air connectivity, which is vital for fostering trade and tourism.
He praised Ethiopia’s impressive 8.1% GDP growth in the past year, a testament to the country’s resilience and strategic planning, and the rapid transformation of Addis Ababa under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visionary leadership, which has positioned the city as a hub of innovation and progress.
Future Prospects
The new airport is expected to play a crucial and transformative role in Ethiopia’s ambitious aspirations to become a major tourism destination on the African continent. By significantly increasing passenger capacity, the project aims to attract a greater number of international travelers, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience in the region and contributing to the local economy.
This development is not just about infrastructure; it represents a strategic move to position Ethiopia as a competitive player in the global tourism market.
In addition to the airport development, Minister Shide has proactively requested further support from the AfDB for Ethiopia’s comprehensive macroeconomic reform agenda, as well as for other transformational projects that are intricately related to regional integration and the advancement of renewable energy initiatives.
The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the AfDB marks a significant step towards enhancing Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure and economic landscape.
As the project progresses, it is anticipated to not only benefit Ethiopia but also contribute to the broader integration and connectivity of Africa’s aviation sector.
