Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has today officially laid a cornerstone to mark the commencement of the construction of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a landmark project expected to transform the country’s aviation sector and cement its position as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.

In a statement posted on social media to mark the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the new airport is designed to sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and support the expanding global network of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier.

“To sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global network, a new mega hub is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually,” the premier stated.

This multi-airport strategy aims to future-proof Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway, he affirmed.

According to Prime Minister Abiy, Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.

Noting that the project aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialization agenda, and long-term aviation strategy, Abiy said the project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity under the AfCFTA framework, expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental hub.

Located about 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance and efficient handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers.

Proximity to the capital ensures seamless integration with the existing aviation ecosystem.

The first phase of the airport will handle 60 million passengers per year, with an ultimate master plan capacity of 110 million passengers annually, placing Ethiopia among the world’s top aviation hubs.

Experts predict that the Bishoftu International Airport City will have wide-reaching economic impacts. Even a fraction of the airline’s 20 million annual passengers visiting Ethiopia could generate a million new tourists each year, significantly boosting the country’s economy.

The 10 billion USD investment is expected to create thousands of direct jobs in construction, aviation, logistics, hospitality, and retail, with additional indirect employment opportunities across the region. Moreover, the airport city will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a regional economic and investment hub, attracting both global and domestic investors.