Ethiopia Is Building Africa’s Biggest Airport After Securing Mega Deal

Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance the construction of what is set to become Africa’s largest airport, the Abusera Mega Airport in Bishoftu, about 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa.

The deal, formalised on Monday at a ceremony in the Ethiopian capital, was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, senior government officials, diplomats and airline executives.

The new airport will be built in phases. The first phase is expected to handle 60 million passengers annually, more than double the capacity of Africa’s busiest hubs in Johannesburg and Cairo. Once fully complete, capacity will rise to 110 million passengers a year, placing it among the largest airports in the world.

Plans include four runways, modern passenger and cargo terminals, and high-speed road and rail links to the capital. Ethiopian Airlines says the project will strengthen its position as a leading African carrier and expand its global network.

The Bishoftu project is a key part of Ethiopia’s Vision 2035 plan and aligns with African Union initiatives such as the African Single Air Transport Market (SAATM) and Agenda 2063, which aim to improve intra-African travel and trade.

Officials say the project will create thousands of jobs and boost tourism, regional trade, and investment. AfDB’s Adesina called the financing agreement “a commitment to sustainable growth and greater connectivity across Africa.”

No details were given on the value or terms of the financing. Ethiopian Airlines has not announced a construction start date. It was, however, reported that the African Development Bank will contribute USD 500 M towards the financing of the USD 7.8 B project, which is expected to be completed in 2029.