Bishoftu International Airport to Elevate Ethiopia as Africa’s Largest Aviation Gateway by 2030
Ethiopia is charting an ambitious new course for the continent’s aviation sector with the development of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a landmark greenfield project that promises to redefine air travel across Africa. Located about 40 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, this superhub is designed to ease the heavy congestion at the existing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and position Ethiopia at the forefront of global aviation connectivity.
Backed by the Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG), the BIA project represents one of Africa’s most significant infrastructure undertakings to date. The airport’s construction will unfold in carefully planned phases to ensure it keeps pace with rapidly growing travel demand. The initial phase, with a projected investment of USD 12.5 billion, is targeted for completion by 2030 and will enable the airport to process up to 60 million passengers annually. In its ultimate configuration, BIA’s colossal design will accommodate an astonishing 110 million passengers per year, setting a new benchmark for scale and ambition in African aviation.
This transformative project is expected to serve as a major catalyst for regional trade, tourism, and investment. The immense capacity and advanced facilities envisioned for Bishoftu International Airport will unlock new routes, streamline passenger flows, and support the expansion of both Ethiopian Airlines and other African carriers. For travel professionals and the broader tourism sector, BIA’s emergence means greater connectivity, more efficient transit options, and unprecedented access to global markets.
“Bishoftu International Airport marks a historic leap in Africa’s aviation journey,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “With its cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and unparalleled connectivity, the new airport positions Ethiopia to become the aviation capital of Africa, serving as a major gateway connecting the continent to the world. We urge global financiers to join us in supporting this ambitious project.”
The structure underpinning the BIA project is robust and reflective of its scale. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has been named as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger, bringing both credibility and expertise to the financing process. Technical and financial advisory services are being provided by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Dar) and KPMG, while Clyde & Co is overseeing legal matters. These partnerships highlight the project’s focus on global best practices, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Momentum is steadily building as the EAG has released the Project Information Memorandum and Financial Model to prospective lenders, marking a key milestone toward financial closure. The pre-qualification process for EPC contractors is also underway, with bid submissions anticipated by mid-December 2025—a clear signal that the project is quickly moving from vision to implementation.
For the African travel sector, Bishoftu International Airport is a game-changer. The new hub will not only resolve capacity bottlenecks but also serve as a springboard for tourism growth, intra-African connectivity, and worldwide linkages. With its focus on sustainable design and advanced technology, BIA is set to attract airlines, tour operators, and investors seeking reliable infrastructure and forward-looking partnerships.
Industry observers are eagerly awaiting the project’s featured presentation at the upcoming Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, from November 26-28, 2025. The event is expected to draw substantial interest from development financiers, commercial banks, and institutional investors, all keen to participate in a project that could reshape Africa’s aviation landscape for decades to come.
As the continent’s economies continue to diversify and urban populations grow, the demand for efficient, high-capacity air travel solutions is only set to increase. Bishoftu International Airport stands as a bold response to these challenges, promising to connect African destinations more seamlessly than ever and open new horizons for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
For African travel professionals, the rise of BIA will mean new opportunities for product development, enhanced passenger experiences, and the ability to compete in a global market where speed, scale, and connectivity are paramount. Ethiopia’s vision for Bishoftu International Airport is not just about adding runways and terminals—it’s about laying the foundation for Africa’s next era of aviation leadership.
