Ethiopia Launches Construction of Africa’s Largest Aviation Infrastructure Project.
Bishoftu (Horn Post) Ethiopia has officially launched the construction of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a mega infrastructure project set to become the largest air transport facility in Africa’s history. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior government officials, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Abiy described the project as a defining step in Ethiopia’s journey toward modernization and economic prosperity. He said the new airport reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to position itself as a global aviation and logistics hub while reinforcing its leadership role in African air transport.
The Prime Minister highlighted Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride, noting that its success has not come from an absence of challenges, but from resilience, institutional strength, and a pioneering spirit across the continent. He emphasized that the airline’s core strength lies in a deeply rooted corporate culture built on clear principles.
According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopian Airlines’ foundation is anchored in prioritizing safety and security, leadership driven by creativity and hard work, and a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who strongly identify with the airline as the nation’s flag carrier. He also underscored the airline’s continuous investment in learning, skills development, and institutional capacity building.
Bishoftu International Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, at an elevation of 1,910 meters above sea level. Officials say the site offers optimal operational conditions for aircraft performance, as well as an efficient gateway for both destination and transit passengers traveling through Ethiopia.
The airport project is integrated with major transport infrastructure developments, including the construction of a modern multi-lane highway linking Bishoftu to Addis Ababa and a 38-kilometer high-speed railway designed to operate at speeds ranging from 120 to 200 kilometers per hour.
In its first phase, Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually. Upon full completion of its master plan, the airport is expected to serve up to 110 million passengers per year, placing Ethiopia among the world’s leading air transport centers.
With the launch of Bishoftu International Airport, Ethiopia once again signals its commitment to mega projects aligned with its national ambitions, reinforcing its vision of becoming a central aviation, trade, and connectivity hub for Africa and beyond.
Pictures of the project:
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland.
