Ethiopian Airlines Group, the leading carrier in Africa, has begun construction of the continent’s largest airport, approximately 40 km south of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in Bishoftu.

Meeting IATA regional growth forecasts for passenger demand, the US$12.5 billion investment in BIA will optimise Ethiopia’s position at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and the Middle East with a global transportation hub for the 21st century.

Bishoftu is the largest in a wave of investment in airports across the continent, including Rwanda’s $2 billion Bugesera Airport, Burkina Faso’s Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, and major upgrades in Casablanca, Cairo and Nairobi.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tasew told CNN travel that the airline wants the new airport to be for Africa what Dubai or Doha is for the Middle East - a large regional hub with strong international connectivity.

Yet he acknowledges this ambition cannot be achieved alone: “Air connectivity in Africa is still way behind from where it should be. We need to partner with other African airlines to provide seamless connectivity.”

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali laid the cornerstone at the airport’s groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday 10th January 2026.

“Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history, more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport which will reach its limits on existing traffic in the next two to three years,” said the Prime Minister.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to meet the future passenger demand and operational needs of Ethiopian Airlines, BIA will become Africa’s global aviation hub, providing facilities of the highest standard with a strong focus on transferring passengers.

With up to 80% of passengers transiting between destinations without leaving the airport, BIA has been designed to accommodate these requirements - incorporating extensive amenities for transiting passengers including airside hotel with 350 guestrooms, a wide variety of dining and entertainment facilities, as well as outdoor gardens and courtyards for relaxation.

Each of the terminal’s piers incorporates a unique interior materiality and colour palette to reflect the diverse regions of Ethiopia. Inspired by the Great Rift Valley that passes near Bishoftu as it crosses through the country, a single central spine connects the terminal’s facilities and aircraft piers - minimising transfer distances and ensuring connecting passengers can easily navigate to their next departure gate.

BIA’s elevation at almost 400 meters lower than Addis Ababa’s existing Bole Airport - in addition to BIA’s longer runways - will enhance aircraft performance, enabling Ethiopian Airlines to optimise the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of their modern fleet of aircraft - using less fuel to carry more passengers and cargo on longer-range, non-stop flights to further global destinations.

Targeting an initial opening in 2030, BIA will be constructed in multiple stages. The first phase will include two Code 4E independent-operating parallel runways and 660,000m² terminal serving 60 million passengers annually (60MAP). Further phases will enable BIA to accommodate up to 110 million passengers every year with four runways and parking for 270 aircraft.

Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata, Zaha Hadid Architects’ Director of Aviation, said: “Bishoftu International Airport is a visionary project for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. Airports bring people together and bridge national divides. ZHA is honoured to be part its development - connecting every region of the continent as Africa’s global gateway.”

Situated within the temperate subtropical highland climate of Ethiopia’s Oromia region, BIA’s passenger terminal is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The terminal will be naturally ventilated with effective solar shading and will include semi-enclosed spaces and outdoor areas for transferring passengers to enjoy the region’s warm summers and mild wint Constructed using modular fabrication and assembly to ensure flexibility and cost-effective efficiency, BIA’s procurement will incorporate concrete, aggregates and steel that have been produced or recycled locally in Bishoftu.

Stormwater from the airport’s runways, taxiways and aprons - as well as the roofs of the passenger terminal and cargo buildings - will be channelled into new wetlands and bioswales for storage and reuse while also enhancing the airport’s local biodiversity. Photovoltaic arrays installed throughout BIA will enable on-site energy production.

Landscaped with native drought-resistant planting including resettled trees, BIA’s design integrates landside public parks for local residents and airside gardens for passengers.

BIA will be connected to the centre of Addis Ababa and the existing Bole Airport via a highspeed rail link, serving as the cornerstone of a new regional transport network. Specifically located for 24-hour operations without the need for a curfew, BIA and its integrated Airport City of mixed-use buildings will create new jobs supporting a local population of 80,000 and enable Ethiopian Airlines to continue its rapid growth and meet future passenger demand.

These new developments support the airline’s ‘Vision 2035’ strategy, becoming a leading global aviation group offering passenger, cargo, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services with a focus on technology and efficiency.

The continent’s leading carrier connecting Africa with the world, Ethiopian Airlines Group was founded in 1945 and is the oldest airline in Africa. The group includes the airline’s Aviation University which will be joined by Boeing’s new African Centre of Excellence.

Achieving more than threefold growth in the past ten years and targeting similar expansion over coming decades, Ethiopian has become Africa’s largest airline - and one of the fastest growing airlines worldwide, operating to more than 150 domestic and international destinations across five continents.

A key member of the Star Alliance - the world’s largest association of airlines - Ethiopian is implementing its 15-year strategic plan to become one of the leading and most competitive aviation groups in the world. (Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA); CNN travel; Photo: A render of Bishoftu International Airport © X-Universe)