Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched construction of the new Bishoftu International Airport on Saturday, January 10. Located 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa, this ambitious project aims to become the largest airport hub in Africa and one of the world's leading airports.

An extraordinary ambition

Estimated to cost $12.7 billion , this infrastructure aims to surpass the world's busiest hubs:

1. Initial capacity: 60 million passengers per year from the end of the first phase.
2. Final capacity: 110 million passengers, more than the current world leader, Atlanta airport.
3. Area: Approximately 35 km².

An ultra-connected hub for Ethiopian Airlines

This new airport will replace Bole Airport, currently operating at capacity in the heart of the capital with its 25 million annual passengers. To support this massive influx, the project goes beyond just the runways:

1. Construction of a modern highway linking the site to the capital.
2. Creation of a high-speed rail line (up to 200 km/h) over a 38 km route.

Financing and strategic issues

Led by Ethiopian Airlines , the leading carrier in the sector on the continent, the project has already secured $500 million in support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) . Negotiations are underway with other international institutions (AIIB, EIB, DFC).

Despite this modernization momentum, also illustrated by the recent inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the project faces major challenges:

1. Internal conflicts: The regions of Oromia (where the construction site is located) and Amhara remain unstable.
2. Social impact: The site has already required the displacement and relocation of 2,500 local farmers.

"This project will place Ethiopia among the world's leading air hubs." — Abiy Ahmed , Prime Minister.