Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most prominent airline, has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion plans by signing a contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants. This partnership will lead to the creation of a new Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometres from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
This new airport, expected to be a game-changer in African aviation, is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually—four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport. The project is set to make Ethiopia a central hub in global air travel, enhancing connectivity across the continent and beyond.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, emphasized the transformative potential of the Mega Airport City, noting its role in positioning Ethiopia as a leading aviation hub. “The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond,” Tasew stated. He highlighted the airline’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, noting that the new airport’s exceptional capacity and world-class facilities would significantly advance African aviation.
Dar Al-Handasah’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia, Tariq Al-Qanni, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are privileged to be working with Ethiopian Airlines on this visionary airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and competitive aviation group.”
The first phase of the project, expected to be completed by 2029, will enable the airport to handle 60 million passengers per year, nearly three times the traffic recorded at Africa’s busiest airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, in 2022. Ultimately, the Mega Airport City will quadruple Bole’s capacity, serving 110 million passengers annually.
In addition to the massive terminal, which will cover 1.1 million square meters, the project includes 126,190 square meters of airline support facilities and over 100,000 square meters dedicated to cargo and airport support. The development will also feature a new airfield and other essential infrastructure.
The new airport will be located at a lower elevation than Addis Ababa, known for its challenging high-altitude operations. The design, led by a team that includes world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, will incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage, creating a modern, sustainable, and resilient airport that reflects the nation’s cultural identity.
Ethiopian Airlines, which operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets globally, is pursuing an ambitious multi-hub strategy across Africa, with hubs in Togo, Malawi, and Zambia. Having already surpassed its Vision 2025 goals, the airline is now working towards its Vision 2035, aiming to become one of the top 20 aviation groups in the world.
This Mega Airport City project marks a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ on-going efforts to elevate customer experience and expand its global reach, reinforcing its position as a leader in African aviation.
