Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, is set to transform the landscape of African aviation with its ambitious new project: the construction of Africa’s largest Mega Airport City in Bishoftu, just 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa.
Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, the Mega Airport City aims to serve 110 million passengers annually upon its completion, quadrupling the capacity of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance Ethiopia’s status as a major global aviation hub but also drive significant economic growth in the region.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, emphasized the project’s importance: “The Mega Airport City will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond. With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region’s air travel infrastructure.”
A Hub for the Future: Features and Capacity
The Mega Airport City will include a 1.1 million square meter terminal with advanced passenger facilities, over 126,000 square meters of airline support facilities, and more than 100,000 square meters dedicated to cargo and airport operations. The associated airfield and other essential infrastructure will ensure that the airport is equipped to handle the demands of future air travel.
In its first phase, scheduled to be completed by 2029, the airport will have the capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually. This alone is nearly triple the number of passengers currently managed by Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Africa’s busiest airport in 2022.
Tariq Al-Qanni, Dar’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia, stated, “We are privileged to be collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines on this visionary new airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and most competitive aviation group.”
Bridging Heritage and Innovation
One of the most striking aspects of the Mega Airport City is its design, which will incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage, blending traditional cultural motifs with cutting-edge architecture. The project is set at a lower elevation compared to Addis Ababa, which is known for its challenging high-altitude location. This adjustment will optimize operational efficiency and safety for aircraft, addressing one of the unique challenges faced by airlines operating in the region.
The Mega Airport City project is more than just a new airport; it is a bold statement about Ethiopia’s future in global aviation. Ethiopian Airlines is committed to ensuring that this new hub reflects the country’s rich history while also embracing innovation and sustainability.
As the construction of the Mega Airport City progresses, all eyes will be on Ethiopia as it prepares to become a key gateway to Africa and a central player in the global aviation industry.
