Ethiopian air travel to be revolutionised through ‘mega airport city’

One of Africa’s leading airlines, Ethiopian Airlines Group, has signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), a partner with architects Zaha Hadid Architects, for the design and supervision of a mega airport city

The state-of-the art airport city will be located at Abusera in Bishoftu city, just 40 km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. When completed, it will have the capacity to serve 110 million passengers each year (four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport). It will be delivered in phases, with the first (allowing the site to handle 60 million passengers) expected to be completed in 2029.

“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,” remarked Ethiopian Airlines' group CEO, Mesfin Tasew. “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.”

Features of the mega airport city include a 1.1 million sq m terminal with passenger facilities, 126,190 sq m airline support facilities and more than 100,000 sq m of cargo and airport support facilities.

Dar director of operations in Ethiopia, Tariq Al-Qanni, commented, “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.”