Ethiopian Airlines is set to construct Africa’s largest and most advanced airport, the Abusera Mega Airport City, a transformative project that will position Ethiopia as a dominant player in global aviation. The airport will be located in Bishoftu, around 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. This site was chosen not only for its proximity to the capital but also for its lower elevation, which enhances aircraft performance during takeoff, making it more efficient than the current Bole International Airport. With Bole increasingly strained by growing passenger traffic, the new airport will serve as a critical expansion to support Ethiopian Airlines’ rapid growth and strategic ambitions.

The Abusera Mega Airport is expected to cost $6 billion and will be constructed in multiple phases. Phase one, targeted for completion by 2029, will accommodate 60 million passengers annually. Once fully completed, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers per year, making it the largest on the continent and one of the busiest globally. The project includes four runways, 270 aircraft parking bays, a terminal covering 1.1 million square meters, over 126,000 square meters allocated for airline support, and more than 100,000 square meters for cargo and airport operations. The design and engineering of this megastructure are entrusted to a world-renowned consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, working in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, Pascall+Watson, Landrum & Brown, and TYLin. These firms are known for their work on iconic, sustainable, and high-capacity airports across the world.

The airport’s design will blend Ethiopian culture with modern architecture and advanced technology. Sustainability is a major focus, with features such as on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation incorporated to minimize the environmental impact. The airport is also being developed with future-readiness in mind, ensuring it can adapt to evolving technological and climate challenges. In terms of connectivity, an express railway is planned to link the airport to central Addis Ababa, ensuring efficient transportation for passengers and cargo while also stimulating development along the corridor.

This project plays a key role in Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to place the airline among the top 20 aviation groups globally. With a reported revenue of $7 billion in the 2023/24 financial year and over 17 million passengers served, Ethiopian Airlines is already Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier. The new airport will greatly expand the airline’s operational capacity and competitiveness. Beyond aviation, the Abusera Mega Airport is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boost tourism, strengthen trade, and serve as a catalyst for economic development in the region and across Africa. It is not just an airport; it is a national landmark and a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition and future potential in the global aviation landscape.

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