Ethiopia began building a $12.5 billion international airport that officials say will be completed in 2030, as the country moves to address capacity constraints at its main aviation hub. “Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” Abiy said in a post on X. The four‑runway airport will provide parking for 270 aircraft, more than four times the capacity of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which Abiy said would reach its operational limits within two to three years at current traffic levels. Ethiopian Airlines’ Infrastructure Development & Planning Director Abraham Tesfaye said the carrier would finance 30% of the project, with the remainder funded by lenders. Tesfaye said lenders from the Middle East, Europe, China and the United States had shown strong interest in financing the project.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 26, 2026 00:08 UTC