You’ve traveled long distances by airplane. So, you know about megahubs, i.e. the airports that help you connect from one part of the world to another. For example, if you’re traveling from Europe to Australia, you’ll likely stop in Dubai (DXB) or Singapore (SIN). If you’re going from the US to anywhere in Europe, you’ll likely stop in London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), or Paris (CDG). And those going to Africa or the Middle East from North America often make a pit stop in Amsterdam (AMS) or Istanbul (IST). But things are about to change. Ethiopia will soon be home to Africa’s biggest airport, which will serve as the continent’s own global megahub. It is expected that when completed, Bishoftu International Airport will be able to welcome 110 million passengers annually. That’s more travelers than Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (the world’s busiest airport) sees in a year.
The Largest Airport in Africa
With four runways, the capacity to park 270 planes, and the ability to welcome 110 million passengers per year, Bishoftu International Airport will be the biggest airport in Africa. In fact, it will be one of the largest airports in the world. Building such a vast infrastructure requires space, so Bishoftu International Airport will not be located too close to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Instead, it will be in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 minutes (30 miles) south.
“Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history, more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport [Addis Ababa Bole International Airport] which will reach its limits on existing traffic in the next two to three years,” said Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Ethiopian Prime Minister.
Construction Timeline
Bishoftu International Airport’s groundbreaking ceremony took place at the start of 2026, on January 10. Completion of phase one is expected in 2030. Phase one will include two runways, and capacity of 60 million passengers annually. For now, there’s no date for the completion of the entirety of the project.
What Will The Airport Look Like?
Bishoftu International Airport will be impressive in more than its size and its cost ($12.5 billion.) Famous architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects is in charge of this immense project and the first renderings are very exciting. If it all goes to plan, this airport will wow us all with its curves and light-filled spaces. And because Bishoftu International Airport will serve mostly as a connecting airport, airside amenities will be top notch: hotels, dining and entertainment facilities, courtyards, outdoor gardens, etc.
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FAQs
Q: When will Bishoftu International Airport be completed?
A: Phase one of Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport is scheduled to be completed in 2030.
Q: How much will the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport cost?
A: It is estimated that Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport will cost $12.5 billion.
Q: How many travelers will the new airport be able to accommodate?
A: When fully completed, the airport will be able to welcome 110 million passengers per year.
