Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) to undertake the design and supervision of a Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu City.

Ethiopia's flag carrier has announced that the airport city will be situated just 40km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and it is expected to transform air travel in Ethiopia.

Upon completion, the new airport is projected to have the capacity to serve 110 million passengers each year, which is four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport.

"The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline's commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, highlighting its role in establishing Ethiopia as a global aviation hub.

In its first phase, scheduled to be completed in 2029, the contract is set to position Ethiopia as the leading global gateway to Africa with a capacity of handling 60 million passengers, almost three times the number of passengers registered in Africa's busiest airport in 2022, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; ultimately, the new airport's capacity will serve 110 million passengers a year, quadrupling the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Cargo facilities at the new airport

The Mega Airport City will feature a 1.1 million sqm terminal, including passenger facilities, 126,190 sqm of airline support facilities, and over 100,000 sqm of cargo and airport support facilities.

It will also include an associated airfield and other essential airport infrastructure.

Ethiopian Airlines said the new airport is positioned at a lower elevation compared to the current primary hub, Addis Ababa, situated at one of the world's most elevated locations, presenting unique operational challenges for aircraft.