Ethiopia Breaks Ground on Africa's Largest Airport

Ethiopia just launched the most ambitious aviation project in African history, and it's going to change how the continent connects to the world.

Construction has officially begun on a massive new airport in Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, that will dwarf every other airport on the continent. When complete in five years, the facility will handle 110 million passengers each year, more than four times the capacity of the current Bole Airport.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed calls it a game changer for African connectivity. The $12.7 billion project will strengthen Ethiopia's position as the continent's air transport leader while opening new corridors for trade and tourism across Africa.

The numbers tell an incredible story of ambition and scale. The airport will span 35 square kilometers and include a multi-lane motorway connecting it to the capital, plus a high-speed railway capable of reaching 200 kilometers per hour for the 38-kilometer journey.

Ethiopian Airlines is helping finance the project alongside major international partners. The African Development Bank has committed $500 million, with talks underway for additional funding from development banks in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

This isn't just about moving people through terminals. The project represents Ethiopia's determination to build world-class infrastructure that serves the entire continent, creating jobs and economic opportunities for millions.

The country has already demonstrated its capacity for mega-projects. Last year, Ethiopia officially inaugurated Africa's largest dam, and major urban renewal initiatives are transforming cities across the nation.

For Africa's second most populous country with 130 million people, the new airport represents more than infrastructure. It's a statement about the continent's future, built by Africans for African growth and global connection.

The project faced challenges, including relocating 2,500 farmers at a cost of $350 million, with families rehoused last year. Ethiopian authorities worked to ensure affected communities received proper compensation and new homes.

Five years from now, travelers will walk through terminals that symbolize Africa's rising ambition, connecting the continent to the world like never before.