15/02/2026
Construction has officially commenced on the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) in Ethiopia, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to become Africa's largest aviation hub. Located 45km southeast of Addis Ababa, the project broke ground in January 2026 and aims to handle 60 million passengers annually by 2030, eventually expanding to 110 million.
Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects
Key details regarding the Bishoftu International Airport construction:
Project Scope: The project, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to be a "Mega Airport City," includes four runways, a 660,000 terminal, and parking capacity for 270 aircraft.
Timeline: Phase one is targeted for completion by 2030.
Funding & Investment: Ethiopian Airlines is funding 30% of the project, with additional investment from international lenders, including the African Development Bank, targeting a total cost of $12.5 billion.
Infrastructure & Location: The site is 45km southeast of Addis Ababa, chosen to alleviate congestion at the current Bole International Airport. A high-speed rail link is planned to connect the new hub to Addis Ababa in roughly 25 minutes.
Capacity: Upon completion of all phases, the airport will handle 110 million passengers per year, more than four times the current capacity of Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport.