The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged $500 million towards the construction of Ethiopia’s new Bishoftu International Airport, a project set to become Africa’s largest upon completion.
The airport, to be built about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, is estimated to cost $10 billion. AfDB will lead efforts to mobilise between $7.8 billion and $8 billion in debt financing, while Ethiopian Airlines will contribute 20 per cent of the funding.
Phase one of the project will feature two runways and facilities capable of handling 60 million passengers annually. The full development plan envisions four runways and the capacity to serve up to 110 million passengers a year, alongside cargo hubs, express rail links, and commercial infrastructure.
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Construction is expected to commence later in 2025, with completion slated for 2029. The project aims to ease pressure on Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which is nearing its capacity, and strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a major continental and global aviation hub.
The airport is a flagship venture under the AfDB’s “High Five” priorities, designed to boost regional integration, trade, tourism, and economic growth across East Africa. It also aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035/2040 strategy to expand its fleet, destinations, and passenger capacity.
