Ethiopia has officially started construction on Bishoftu International Airport, a project set to become Africa’s largest aviation hub. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the site, located 40 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.

The airport is being built at an altitude of 1,910 metres, which experts say supports better aircraft performance and efficient handling of passengers. Ethiopian Airlines owns the project, with a budget of about Ksh1.6 trillion. Once complete, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers per year, making it one of the world’s largest hubs.

The first phase of construction will manage 60 million passengers annually and accommodate up to 270 aircraft. The project includes four runways and a 1.1 million square metre terminal. It also features a multi-lane highway connecting the site to Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometre high-speed railway capable of running between 120 and 200 kilometres per hour.

These transport links will integrate with the existing Bole International Airport, which is nearing its 25 million passenger capacity.

“To sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global network, a new mega hub is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually,” Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on X on January 10, 2026.

“This multi-airport strategy aims to future-proof Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s leading air transport gateway.”

Officials expect Bishoftu Airport to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global network and support Africa’s trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The airport is part of Ethiopia’s wider economic reforms and industrialisation agenda, aimed at positioning the country as a major intercontinental aviation hub.

Aviation and energy expansion

The Bishoftu project comes alongside other bold infrastructure developments. In September 2025, Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant, with a capacity of 5,150 megawatts.

The billion-dollar dam doubles the country’s electricity output, powers rural areas and factories, supports electric vehicle expansion, and allows Ethiopia to export power to neighbouring countries. Authorities are also exploring solar, wind, and geothermal projects to secure energy against drought risks.

Ethiopia’s focus on aviation and energy reflects a strategic push to boost connectivity, trade, and industrial growth. The new airport will not only handle rising passenger traffic but also serve as a gateway for goods and tourism across Africa.

Kenya is also advancing major infrastructure projects in the region. In November 2025, President William Ruto announced plans to build 50 mega dams to irrigate 1.5 million acres and improve food security, with support from the World Bank.

Kenya is modernising its aviation sector as well. Plans are underway to build a new terminal and runway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, aimed at handling rising passenger volumes and creating a world-class facility for East Africa.