ETHIOPIA. Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading carrier, has signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) to build what it calls a Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu, central Ethiopia.
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) is a partner with world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects,
The “state-of-the-art” airport city, located 40km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is poised to revolutionise air travel in Ethiopia, the airline said.
Upon completion, the facility will be able to serve 110 million passengers annually, four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport.
Announcing the project, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted its role in establishing Ethiopia as a global aviation hub.
“The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritise environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,” he said.
“With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region’s air travel infrastructure.”
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Director of Operations in Ethiopia Tariq Al-Qanni said: “We are privileged to be collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines on this visionary new airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and most competitive aviation group.”
In its first phase, scheduled to be completed in 2029, the development will position Ethiopia as the leading global gateway to Africa with an inititial 60 million passenger capacity – almost three times the number of passengers served by Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Africa’s busiest airport, in 2022.
The Mega Airport City will feature a 1.1 million square metre terminal including extensive passenger and commercial facilities.
The new airport is positioned at a lower elevation compared to the current primary hub, Addis Ababa, which is situated at one of the world’s most elevated locations – which presents unique operational challenges for aircraft.
The architectural team plans to incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage to establish a new emblematic structure for the nation – “a people-centric, intuitive airport characterised by sustainability, resilience, and future-readiness,” Ethiopian Airlines said.
“Ethiopian Airlines remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating customer experience to unprecedented heights, ensuring every journey is marked by excellence and innovation.” ✈
