This isn’t just infrastructure. It’s a bold rewrite of Africa’s place in global aviation. On January 10, 2026, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid the foundation stone for the Bishoftu International Airport, a mega‑project designed to transform the continent’s travel and trade landscape.
Here’s the big picture. Capacity for 110 million passengers/year: more than four times the current limit at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Four runways and space for up to 270 aircraft, unmatched in Africa. $12–12.7 billion project with international financing led by Ethiopian Airlines and partners like the African Development Bank. Linked by a 38 km high‑speed rail and new highways to Addis Ababa.
This is a game‑changer for global connectivity aowing to Ethiopia’s strategic location between Africa, Europe, and Asia is no accident, this mega‑hub is calibrated to become the continent’s air gateway to the world, cutting layovers, expanding routes, and attracting more airlines than ever before. With easier access to iconic destinations like Lalibela, Simien Mountains, and Omo Valley, Ethiopia could ignite a tourism boom, boosting local economies and cultural exchange. This project doesn’t just move people, it moves goods. Expanded cargo capacity means Africa’s producers can compete globally — from coffee and flowers to textiles and tech exports. This is not “just another airport.” It’s being called the largest aviation infrastructure project in African history, a physical statement of ambition, vision and economic confidence.
Whether you’re a traveller, investor, or dreamer, this is Africa looking skyward and saying, “We’re ready.”