Ethiopian Airlines, the leading airline in Africa, has unveiled plans for an ambitious new airport set to become the largest on the continent by 2029.
This mega airport will be built near Bishoftu, located about 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) from Addis Ababa, and is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers each year, outpacing all existing airports in Africa.
On August 12, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines partnered with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to manage the project’s design and oversight.
Dar Al-Handasah will collaborate with the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, known for their groundbreaking designs.
This “Mega Airport City” aims to boost Ethiopia’s economic landscape and reinforce its role as a key aviation hub.
The initial phase, projected for completion by 2029, will include a cutting-edge terminal and vital infrastructure, featuring a four-runway system capable of handling 60 million passengers per year.
Because the new airport will be situated at a lower altitude than Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, it will effectively manage operational challenges posed by high-altitude travel.
The facility will also reflect Ethiopian cultural elements, ensuring a focus on sustainability and resilience.
Currently, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport operates at an elevation of 2,334 meters (7,625 feet), making it one of the highest major international airports worldwide.
Once fully operational, the new airport will accommodate up to 110 million travelers annually.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, stated that this project will significantly impact the economy by enhancing connectivity and promoting environmentally sustainable practices in Ethiopia and beyond.
Tariq Al-Qanni, Dar’s director of operations in Ethiopia, expressed enthusiasm about working with Ethiopian Airlines on this groundbreaking airport, which promises to improve global connectivity and foster economic growth in the region.
The new airport is anticipated to ease congestion at the existing airport, which is approaching its capacity of 25 million passengers per year.
As a point of reference, the busiest airport in the world as of now is Dubai International Airport, with 44.9 million passengers recorded in the first half of this year.
Notably, the largest airport currently under construction is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expected to handle an initial capacity of 120 million passengers annually, eventually increasing to 185 million by 2050, thus surpassing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, which serves around 105 million passengers each year.