Ethiopia Unveils Plans for Africa's Largest Airport, Set to Open in 2029

Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards enhancing its aviation infrastructure by signing an agreement for the design of a new airport, set to become Africa's largest upon completion in 2029. The project, announced by Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, marks a major milestone in the country's aviation sector development.

The new facility will be situated near Bishoftu, approximately 45 km from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. With a planned capacity to accommodate 100 million passengers annually and provide parking for 270 aircraft, the airport is poised to significantly boost Ethiopia's aviation capabilities.

Mesfin Tasew revealed that Dubai-based engineering firm Sidara has been selected to design the airport. The project, initially announced in 2018, is expected to span five years, with completion targeted for 2029.

The ambitious undertaking comes as Ethiopia's current main hub, Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, approaches its maximum capacity of 25 million passengers per year. This expansion is crucial for Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, which transported 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year and anticipates reaching 20 million in the current fiscal year that began in July 2024.

The new airport project represents a substantial investment, with the first phase alone estimated to cost at least $6 billion. Funding is expected to be secured through loans, with several companies already expressing interest in supporting the initiative.

This development aligns with Ethiopia's broader economic growth strategy. As the second-most populous country in Africa, with over 120 million inhabitants as of 2024, Ethiopia has been focusing on infrastructure improvements to boost its economy and connectivity.

Ethiopian Airlines, founded in 1945, has played a crucial role in the country's development. The airline, a member of the Star Alliance since 2011, operates a fleet of over 130 aircraft and serves more than 125 international destinations across five continents. It has gained recognition for its resilience, maintaining profitability even during global aviation downturns.

The new airport project is expected to further solidify Ethiopia's position as a major aviation hub in Africa. With its increased capacity and modern facilities, it aims to enhance connectivity not only for Ethiopia but for the entire continent, potentially stimulating economic growth and tourism in the region.

As the project moves forward, it will likely create numerous job opportunities and attract further investment to Ethiopia. The successful completion of this ambitious airport will be a testament to Ethiopia's growing influence in the global aviation sector and its commitment to infrastructure development.

"It is a five-year project (that) will be finalised in 2029. It will be the biggest in Africa."

This landmark project underscores Ethiopia's vision for the future, aiming to position itself as a key player in African and global aviation. As construction progresses, the world will be watching to see how this massive infrastructure investment shapes the future of air travel in Africa.