Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially launched the construction of Bishoftu International Airport City, a major step toward realizing Agenda 2063, driving Africa’s prosperity by enhancing continental connectivity, boosting trade, tourism, and investment, and positioning the continent as a competitive global economic player.

The project of this giant airport city is the result of Ethiopia’s aspiration to Africa’s economic integration while enhancing connectivity to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Valued at over USD 10 billion, the landmark project ranks among the largest infrastructure investments in Ethiopia’s history and reflects the country’s long-term national vision to position itself as a global aviation and logistics hub.

The Prime Minister described the project as a defining symbol of what a developing nation can achieve through strategic planning, sustained commitment, and bold ambition.

“This project is not only for Ethiopia,” the Prime Minister said. “It will significantly strengthen Africa’s aviation sector. Bishoftu International Airport City will be the largest in Africa and among the few largest airports in the world.”

He noted that the development is the result of decades of focused investment in aviation and highlighted the government’s full commitment to its realization.

“This airport is a symbol of possibility,” he added. “It proves that Ethiopia can deliver projects of global scale. The Government of Ethiopia will continue to fully support Ethiopian Airlines to ensure this vision becomes reality.”

The Prime Minister also commended Ethiopian Airlines and its workforce for their dedication and leadership in transforming Ethiopia into Africa’s leading aviation hub.

Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the Bishoftu International Airport City is designed to relieve growing pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has seen sustained increases in both passenger and cargo volumes. The new airport is being developed as a greenfield, next-generation aviation hub capable of meeting long-term demand.

The project will be implemented in phases. Phase One, scheduled for completion by 2030, will accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually. Once fully developed, the airport will have the capacity to serve 110 million passengers per year, making it the largest airport in Africa and one of the largest worldwide.

Beyond aviation infrastructure, the project envisions a fully integrated Airport City, incorporating advanced cargo and logistics corridors, sustainable energy systems, commercial districts, and innovation zones.

The development is expected to drive trade, tourism, employment, and regional investment across Ethiopia and the wider African continent.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfi Tasew  stated that the airport is a cornerstone of the airline’s long-term growth strategy and Africa’s economic integration agenda.

“This airport is the result of a long-term vision by Ethiopian Airlines,” the CEO said. “As Africa’s leading airline, our continued growth requires infrastructure that matches our ambition. Bishoftu International Airport City will significantly enhance passenger movement, cargo capacity, and operational efficiency.”

The CEO further emphasized the project’s role in supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving connectivity across the continent.

“Once completed, this airport will play a critical role in facilitating intra-African trade by enabling faster movement of goods and people,” he added. “It will strengthen connectivity across Africa and position Ethiopia as a key gateway linking the continent to the world.”