Ethiopia is set to construct Africa's largest international airport near Addis Ababa, with a USD 6 billion budget. The new facility, located in Bishoftu, will cover 35 square kilometres and handle up to 100 million passengers annually. Ethiopian Airlines, partnering with DAR for design and construction, will phase the project, starting with a 60 million passenger capacity. This development aims to bolster Ethiopia's role as a key transit hub, enhance tourism, and support economic growth. The airport will significantly increase Ethiopia's aviation capacity, currently limited by Bole International Airport's 20 million passenger capacity.
Ethiopia has announced plans to construct the largest international airport in Africa, with a budget of USD 6 billion. The new airport will be located near the capital city, Addis Ababa, in the Oromia region, specifically close to the resort town of Bishoftu, approximately 17 kilometres away from the city centre. This ambitious project aims to accommodate up to 100 million passengers each year.
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, is leading this development. The airline's Group CEO, Mesfin Taseu, has revealed that the new airport will cover an area of 35 square kilometres. To aid in project execution, Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with the international consulting group DAR. Their role will involve designing the airport and selecting contractors to carry out the construction work. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing Ethiopia's aviation capacity.
The airport's construction will take place in phases. The first phase is expected to handle approximately 60 million passengers annually. Following this, the plan is to increase capacity, enabling the airport to welcome 100 million passengers once fully operational. In comparison, the current main airport, Bole International Airport, serves around 20 million passengers each year, indicating a substantial increase in capacity with this new project.
This development is part of Ethiopia's broader efforts to position itself as a key transit hub in Africa. With its strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the country aims to attract more international traffic. The Ethiopian government has been investing heavily in infrastructure to support economic growth and development, focusing on transport networks, energy generation, and industrial parks.
The new airport is not just a crucial step for Ethiopian Airlines; it is also poised to boost tourism significantly. Ethiopia is rich in historical and cultural attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and the ancient city of Aksum. The improved airport will make it easier for tourists to visit these sites, potentially increasing revenue from tourism.
Moreover, the construction of this airport is expected to create thousands of jobs, both during construction and in the long term. By enhancing connectivity, it can also facilitate trade and investment in the region, contributing to economic development.
In conclusion, Ethiopia's plan to build Africa's largest airport is a significant milestone not only for the nation but also for the continent's aviation industry. This project demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to becoming an aviation leader in Africa and enhancing its role as a gateway for international travel and trade. As the country moves forward with this vision, it will be watched closely by other nations looking to develop their own infrastructures and boost economic growth.
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