Ethiopia has officially begun construction of a new international airport expected to become the largest in Africa, in a major project valued at $12.5 billion.
The airport, known as Bishoftu International Airport, is being built in Abusera, near Bishoftu town, about 40 kilometres southeast of the capital Addis Ababa. Construction started on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with senior government officials and security personnel attending the launch.
According to Ethiopian authorities, the new airport will help ease congestion at Bole International Airport, which is currently operating beyond its capacity due to the rapid growth of air travel and Ethiopian Airlines.
Once completed, the airport is expected to handle more than 100 million passengers a year, making it the busiest aviation hub on the continent. It will also strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a key transport and logistics centre linking Africa to the rest of the world.
The project is being developed in phases and will include modern passenger terminals, cargo facilities, runways, and support infrastructure. It is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion.
Government officials say the airport will boost tourism, trade, and investment, while supporting the continued expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier.
The project reflects Ethiopia’s broader plan to invest heavily in infrastructure as part of its long-term economic growth strategy.
