ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s largest carrier, has unveiled plans to construct a new $6 billion airport near Bishoftu, about 40 kilometers southeast of the capital. In a move described as a strategic leap forward for African aviation, officials say the sprawling facility will cover 35 square kilometers and eventually accommodate more than 100 million passengers per year.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai-based consulting company Dar to develop the detailed design,” Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew said at a press conference, according to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate. “The first phase includes the construction of the airport facility with a capacity of 60 million passengers per year,” Tasew added, noting that the second phase would push overall capacity above 100 million.
The project, which is slated for completion in five years, will feature four runways designed to streamline arrivals and departures in one of Africa’s fastest-growing air-travel markets. Tariq Al-Qanni, director of operations at Dar, said at the same press conference that the new airport would be “the biggest in Africa once complete.”
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates out of Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, a hub whose maximum capacity of 25 million annual passengers has been tested by the airline’s steady expansion. In the 2023/24 financial year, the carrier reported $7 billion in revenue and transported 17.1 million passengers—a notable milestone that has propelled it to the forefront of African aviation.
Regional Aspirations and Global Ambitions
Ethiopia’s plan to build this mega-airport reflects broader ambitions to establish itself as a critical connector between Africa, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. The geographical location of Addis Ababa has long been seen as a strategic gateway, offering connections between continents with relatively short flight times.
Analysts say the new airport could foster increased tourism, bolster cargo transport, and elevate Ethiopia’s standing in the global aviation arena. However, such a large-scale initiative raises questions about economic viability and environmental impact. Will it attract enough passenger traffic to justify the multi-billion-dollar investment, especially in a region where some air travelers still prefer ground transport? What measures are being taken to minimize the project’s ecological footprint?
Balancing Growth with Sustainability
The airport plan arrives amid a heightened focus on sustainable development, prompting deeper inquiry into how African countries can balance ambitious infrastructure projects with responsible environmental stewardship. If Ethiopian Airlines succeeds in combining growth with green strategies, it may well serve as an example for other emerging markets seeking to modernize their transportation networks without sacrificing ecological commitments.
There is also the issue of regional competition. As more African nations invest heavily in their aviation sectors, observers wonder whether Ethiopia’s bold move will inspire cross-border partnerships or spark fierce rivalries. For now, all eyes are on Ethiopian Airlines as it steers the blueprint for what could be a defining era in the continent’s air travel.
A Thought-Provoking Future
As the project takes shape in Bishoftu, the real test will be whether this grand vision can maintain momentum and meet the evolving demands of modern aviation. Only time will tell if Ethiopia’s soaring ambition will, indeed, reshape the African skies—and perhaps set a global benchmark for large-scale airport construction.
