Ethiopia has launched the construction of the Bishoftu International Airport which is expected to become Africa’s biggest aviation hub.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed along with senior government officials on Saturday laid the cornerstone for the construction of the mega airport project at a place called Abbuu Seeraa in Bishoftu town, Oromia regional state, about 40 kilometers south-east of the Ethiopian capital.
“The construction of 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,” said Ahmed at the groundbreaking ceremony.
He said the Bishoftu International Airport is expected to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a major intercontinental aviation hub.
“The first phase of the airport project will have two huge passenger terminals, two parallel runways, parking areas accommodating 180 airplanes, a hotel, and a cargo terminal that can handle 1.5 million tonnes of goods annually, as well as an aircraft maintenance hub,” said Mesfin Tasew, group chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
According to the Tasew, the first-phase project will also include the construction of a multi-lane modern highway linking the new airport with Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed railway with operating speeds of 120 to 200 km per hour.
The airport is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, offering favourable conditions for aircraft operations. Its proximity to the capital is expected to allow seamless integration with the country’s existing aviation and transport infrastructure.
MG/as/APA