Ethiopian Airlines has announced an ambitious project to construct the largest airport on the continent. The Ethiopian government has signed a major agreement with Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara to design a new airport near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers from Addis Ababa. This landmark project, set to be completed by 2029, will mark a transformative milestone for the region’s air travel infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future
The new airport, designed to accommodate four runways, aims to handle a staggering 100 million passengers annually. This capacity dwarfs the current main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, which is expected to reach its limit of 25 million passengers per year soon. The expansion reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ growth trajectory and its role as Africa’s largest airline, which carried 17 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year and anticipates serving 20 million in the current fiscal year.
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, detailed the scope and scale of the project at a recent news conference. “It is a five-year project that will be finalized in 2029. It will be the biggest airport in Africa,” Mesfin stated. The airport’s design, led by Sidara, will feature a vast terminal area capable of accommodating 270 aircraft, ensuring the infrastructure meets the high demands of future air traffic.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The construction of the new airport represents a monumental investment in Ethiopia’s aviation sector. Phase one alone is estimated to cost at least $6 billion. Mesfin indicated that the funding will come through a combination of loans and investments, with several companies already expressing interest in participating. The scale of the project underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to bolstering its position as a key global aviation hub and to supporting its burgeoning travel and tourism industry.
Ethiopian Airlines has long been a leader in African aviation, and this new development further cements its strategic importance. By expanding its infrastructure, the airline aims to enhance connectivity across Africa and beyond, fostering economic growth and regional integration.
Timeline and Construction
The timeline for the project is ambitious, with construction slated to begin shortly and the airport expected to open its doors by 2029. The design phase, managed by Sidara, will be critical in ensuring the airport meets both current and future aviation standards. The firm’s expertise in large-scale airport projects will be instrumental in realizing Ethiopia’s vision.
Broader Implications
The new airport is not just a significant achievement for Ethiopian Airlines but also a major boost for Ethiopia’s economic development. By increasing its airport capacity, Ethiopia will attract more international airlines and passengers, positioning itself as a central hub in Africa. This development is expected to have ripple effects across the region, promoting trade, tourism, and investment.
Moreover, the project aligns with Ethiopia’s broader infrastructure development goals and its vision for economic advancement. As Africa’s aviation industry continues to expand, Ethiopia’s new airport will play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s air travel landscape.
Conclusion
The announcement of Ethiopia’s new airport represents a bold and forward-thinking step in the realm of African aviation. With its vast capacity and strategic location, the airport is poised to become a cornerstone of regional connectivity and economic growth. As construction progresses over the next five years, the project will undoubtedly be a focal point of interest in the global aviation community, showcasing Ethiopia’s growing influence and ambition on the international stage.
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