Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced the official construction commencement of Bishoftu International Airport. Construction began on January 10, 2026, following an official groundbreaking ceremony. The historic event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, ministers, high-level government officials, industry leaders, stakeholders, and Ethiopian Airlines executives.
Ethiopian Airlines also unveiled the airport's design and highlighted the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration project for the affected communities in the project area. His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, alongside high-level government officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew, placed the plaque marking the official commencement of construction.
© Ethiopian Airlines GroupBIA groundbreaking plaque placement
Reflecting on the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew remarked: "This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent's aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services. Bishoftu International Airport is a major step toward addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). At Ethiopian, we are committed to realizing the completion of this project."
© Ethiopian Airlines Group
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed described the day as a milestone in Ethiopia's journey toward modernization and prosperity. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines is a source of national pride, not because it has been free of challenges, but because of its resilience, its ability to overcome obstacles, and its role as a trailblazer for Africa. He emphasized that the airline's greatest strength lies in its strong corporate culture, built on prioritizing safety and security, leadership driven by creativity and hard work, a workforce of over 26,000 employees who believe in the airline as their flag carrier and honor what it represents, and a continuous commitment to learning and capacity building.
© Ethiopian Airlines Group
Bishoftu International Airport stands as a defining project for both Ethiopian and African aviation, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions within Africa and beyond. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will accommodate 60 million passengers annually. When fully completed, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers.
