Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially begun the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Africa’s aviation infrastructure.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier in the week, attracted top government officials and industry stakeholders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed, cabinet ministers, senior government functionaries, aviation industry leaders, stakeholders, and executives of Ethiopian Airlines.
During the event, the airline unveiled the architectural design of the new airport and announced the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project.
Prime Minister Ahmed, alongside senior government officials and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Mesfin Tasew, jointly placed the commemorative plaque to formally signal the commencement of construction.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tasew described the project as a moment of pride not only for Ethiopian Airlines but for the entire African continent.
He said the development marked the beginning of a transformative phase that would reshape Africa’s aviation landscape.
He stated, “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 towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian, we are committed to realising the completion of this project.”
In his address, Prime Minister Ahmed described the occasion as a significant landmark in Ethiopia’s path toward modernisation and economic growth.
He noted that Ethiopian Airlines remained a symbol of national pride, not because it had been without difficulties, but due to its resilience, ability to surmount challenges, and its pioneering role in African aviation.
Ahmed stressed that the airline’s enduring strength was rooted in its robust corporate culture, which prioritises safety and security, fosters leadership driven by creativity and hard work, and is supported by a workforce of over 26,000 employees who believe in the airline as the nation’s flag carrier.
He also highlighted the airline’s sustained emphasis on learning and capacity development.
Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a critical role in boosting trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity across Africa and beyond.
The first phase of the project is projected for completion by 2030, with an annual capacity of 60 million passengers. Upon full completion, the airport is designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually.
