Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially commenced construction of Bishoftu International Airport, marking a historic milestone in the continent’s aviation development.
Construction began on January 10, 2026, following a high-profile groundbreaking ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Dr. Abiy Ahmed,
alongside cabinet ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders, key stakeholders, and executives of Ethiopian Airlines.
During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines unveiled the architectural design of the new airport and announced the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project.
The Prime Minister, senior government officials, and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque signifying the official start of construction.
Speaking at the event, Tasew described the project as a defining moment for Ethiopian Airlines and the African aviation industry.
“This is a proud and historic day for Ethiopian Airlines and for Africa”, he said. “The groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport marks the beginning of a new chapter that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem.
“As we celebrate 80 years of service, this landmark project reaffirms our commitment to shaping the future of African air transport while meeting the growing demand for passenger and cargo services. Bishoftu International Airport will play a critical role in closing Africa’s infrastructure gap and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We remain fully committed to delivering this transformational project”.
In his remarks, Ahmed described the occasion as a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward modernisation and sustainable prosperity. He praised Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride, noting that its success is rooted not in the absence of challenges, but in its resilience, innovation, and leadership role across Africa.
The Prime Minister highlighted the airline’s strong corporate culture as its greatest strength, built on an unwavering commitment to safety and security, leadership driven by creativity and diligence, a workforce of over 26,000 dedicated employees who believe in the airline as Ethiopia’s flag carrier, and a sustained focus on learning, capacity building, and excellence.
Bishoftu International Airport is poised to become a cornerstone of African aviation, enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity within Africa and beyond. Phase One of the project is scheduled for completion by 2030, with an annual capacity of 60 million passengers.
Upon full completion, the airport will be capable of handling up to 110 million passengers annually, positioning it among the world’s leading aviation hubs.