Ethiopia launches construction of Africa's largest airportAddis Ababa, Jan. 10 (UNI) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday officially launched the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport, which is expected to become Africa's largest aviation hub upon completion. The prime minister, accompanied by senior government officials, laid the cornerstone for the construction of the mega airport near Bishoftu town in the Oromia regional state, about 40 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. Speaking at the ceremony, Abiy said the mega airport project is part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to sustain rapid aviation growth and strengthen the country's position as Africa's leading air transport gateway. He noted that the new airport will have the capacity to accommodate 60 million passengers per year when its first-phase construction is completed in four years, and 110 million passengers annually when fully completed. The Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has the capacity to handle around 25 million passengers annually, will soon reach its maximum capacity at the current pace of growth, according to the Prime Minister.

Source: Ethiopian News January 10, 2026 18:15 UTC