"Construction has begun on the new Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for Ethiopian Airlines Group. Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, laid the cornerstone at the airport's groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The new airport will be located approximately 40 kilometers south of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and is planned to become Africa's largest airport. Phase One of the project is designed to serve 60 million passengers per year."
"Subsequent phases are expected to increase capacity to up to 110 million passengers annually, supported by four runways and parking for 270 aircraft, more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia's current main airport, according to statements by the Prime Minister. Ethiopian Airlines is currently Africa's largest carrier. The new airport will be connected to central Addis Ababa and the existing Bole International Airport via a high-speed rail link and is intended to function as a key component of a broader regional transport network."
"Located to enable 24-hour operations without a curfew, BIA and its integrated Airport City, comprising mixed-use buildings, are planned to serve a local population of approximately 80,000 people. The airport site sits nearly 400 meters lower than Addis Ababa's existing airport and allows for longer runways, which are intended to improve aircraft performance and support higher maximum take-off weights, enabling longer non-stop routes with increased passenger and cargo capacity."
"The project has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to respond to Ethiopian Airlines' projected passenger demand and operational requirements, particularly its role as a transfer hub. With up to 80 percent of passengers expected to transit between destinations without leaving the airport, the terminal layout prioritizes efficient connections. The building incorporates amenities for transferring passengers, including a 350-room airside hotel, dining and entertainme"
Construction has begun on Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for Ethiopian Airlines Group; the cornerstone was laid on January 10, 2026. The airport will sit about 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. Phase One will serve 60 million passengers annually, with later phases expanding capacity up to 110 million. The masterplan includes four runways, parking for 270 aircraft, and a high-speed rail link to central Addis Ababa. Located nearly 400 meters lower than the existing airport, BIA allows longer runways for higher take-off weights and longer non-stop routes. An Airport City and passenger amenities prioritize efficient transfers, with up to 80 percent of passengers expected to transit.
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