In a landmark move poised to reshape Ethiopia’s aviation landscape, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $500 million toward the development of a new mega airport, signaling the start of a transformative infrastructure project. The agreement, signed by AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha, designates the AfDB as the Mandated Lead Arranger, tasked with mobilizing up to $8 billion in funding for the ambitious construction effort. With a total projected cost of $10 billion, the state-owned Ethiopian Airlines will contribute 20% of the financing, underscoring the national commitment to elevating Ethiopia’s global connectivity.
Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide hailed the project as a “vital gateway to progress and prosperity,” emphasizing its potential to position Ethiopia among the world’s top 20 aviation hubs by 2035. The new Bishoftu International Airport, to be located approximately 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa, is expected to be built in two phases. Initially, it will accommodate 60 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 110 million, making it one of the largest and most advanced airports on the continent.
The urgency of the project is underscored by the limitations of the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is operating near its 25 million passenger capacity. The new facility aims not only to relieve this pressure but also to double Ethiopia’s tourist inflow and rival major international hubs in Dubai, Casablanca, and Johannesburg. Authorities envision the airport as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
Construction is slated for completion by 2029, and the project is expected to generate significant employment, boost trade, and enhance Ethiopia’s strategic role in global aviation. With the AfDB leading the charge and Ethiopian Airlines anchoring the initiative, the Bishoftu International Airport represents a bold leap into the future—an emblem of Ethiopia’s ambition to soar on the wings of innovation and infrastructure.