Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced the official
construction commencement of Bishoftu International Airport. Construction begun
January 10, 2026, following an official groundbreaking ceremony. The historic
event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, ministers, high level government officials, industry
leaders, stakeholders, and Ethiopian Airlines executives.
Ethiopian also unveiled the airport’s design and highlighted the successful completion of
the resettlement and livelihood restoration project for the affected communities of the
project area. F.D.R.E Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed alongside high-
level government officials, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, placed
the plaque marking the official commencement of the construction.
Reflecting on the groundbreaking ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin
Tasew remarked: “This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We
are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that
will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project
stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African
air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.
Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at
aviation, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions within Africa and
flag carrier and honor what it represents, acontinuous commitment to learning and
accommodate 60 million passengers annually and when fully completed it will have the
capacity building.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed described the day as a milestone in
Ethiopia’s journey toward modernization and prosperity. He noted that Ethiopian
culture, built on: Giving priority to safety and security, leadership driven by creativity
because of its resilience, its ability to overcome obstacles, and its role as a trailblazer for
Airlines is a source of national pride,not because it has been free of challenges, but
and hard work, aworkforce of over 26,000 employees who believe in the airline as their
beyond. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will
Bishoftu International Airport stands as a defining project for both Ethiopian and African
Africa. He emphasized that the airline’s greatest strength lies in its strong corporate
Ethiopian we are committed to realize the completion of this project.”
capacity to handle 110 million passengers.
