Addis Ababa : 10 Jan 2026 – Ethiopia once again embarks on a mega project befitting a nation of ambition and potential. Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, together with senior government officials, officially launched the construction of the airport during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site.
In his remarks, Prime Minister 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:
• Giving priority to 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
• A continuous commitment to learning and capacity building
Located about 40 kilometers southeast of #addisababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, #Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance and the efficient handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers.
The project also includes the construction of a multi-lane modern highway linking the new airport with Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed railway with operating speeds of 120–200 km per hour.
In its first phase, Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to serve 60 million passengers annually. Upon completion of its full master plan, the airport will be able to handle up to 110 million passengers per year, positioning Ethiopia among the world’s leading aviation hubs.
