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Airports

Ethiopia Unveils Ambitious Plans for New International Airport Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ethiopia has taken a significant step towards its goal of building a new international airport that will rival the world's biggest, with a monumental signing ceremony taking place on Monday. The African Development Bank has agreed to provide financing, marking the beginning of a project that will require nearly $10 billion in investments. The new greenfield Bishoftu International Airport will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, expanding to 110 million, and transport 3.73 million tons of cargo annually. Groundworks are expected to begin in late 2025, with Phase I set to be completed by November 2029.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Development Bank will provide $500 million in financing, subject to board approval, for the $10 billion Bishoftu International Airport project.
  • The new airport will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, expanding to 110 million, and transport 3.73 million tons of cargo annually.
  • The Ethiopian Airlines Group has allocated $350 million for livelihood restoration and resettlement of communities affected by the construction.
  • The project will include an airport city with facilities such as shopping malls, hotels, recreation areas, as well as direct rail and expressway links to Addis Ababa.
  • The Ethiopian Airlines Group reported record revenues of $7.6 billion in the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025, reflecting an 8% year-on-year growth.
  • The company transported 19.0 million passengers, with 15.1 million on international routes and 3.9 million within the country.

Statistics:

  • The Bishoftu International Airport project will require nearly $10 billion in investments.
  • The African Development Bank will provide $500 million in financing, subject to board approval.
  • The new airport will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, expanding to 110 million.
  • The airport will transport 3.73 million tons of cargo annually.
  • Ethiopian Airlines Group reported record revenues of $7.6 billion in the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025.
  • The company transported 19.0 million passengers in the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025.

Sources:

  • "Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport receives boost from African Development Bank" by Pivotalsources.com.

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