Ethiopia has commenced construction on what will be Africa’s largest airport, located in Bishoftu, a town situated about 45 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. This ambitious project aims to boost the country’s aviation infrastructure and enhance its capacity to handle increasing passenger and cargo traffic.
Key Features of the New Airport
- The airport will cover an expansive area, making it the largest on the continent.
- Designed to accommodate a high volume of international and domestic flights.
- Modern facilities equipped with the latest technology to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Runways capable of handling large aircraft including wide-body jets.
Significance of the Project
The construction of this airport is part of Ethiopia’s broader plan to become a major aviation hub in Africa. Benefits expected from the airport include:
- Boosting economic growth through increased trade and tourism.
- Creation of thousands of jobs during and after construction.
- Improvement of the country’s connectivity with global markets.
- Supporting the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline.
Current Progress and Future Timeline
Construction work has officially started, and the Ethiopian government has committed significant resources toward timely completion. Although the exact timeline for operation has not been publicly disclosed, the project is expected to be completed within the next several years, marking a milestone in Africa’s aviation sector development.
This development underlines Ethiopia’s strategic position in continental air transport and its commitment to modernizing infrastructure to meet future demands.
