Ethiopian Airlines is set to make its mark on the region’s aviation industry with ambitious plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Absela.
This mega-project is the cornerstone of the company’s 15-year strategy to become the world’s leading aviation power.
As part of its overall strategy, Abcera’s strategic location provides the airline with unparalleled growth potential. This will allow Ethiopian Airlines to comfortably meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts. IATA predicts a 200% increase in passenger traffic in the region over the next 10 years.
Strategic importance of Absera
The development of a large-scale airport operation in Absela is a key element of Ethiopian Airlines’ ambitious expansion strategy. Absela’s geographical location forms an important part of the decision to establish a principal base there.
Unlike Bole International Airport, which has limited capacity, Absela’s lower altitude allows for improved aircraft performance. Relatedly, it is close to Addis Ababa and supported by a planned high-speed rail link, ensuring seamless connectivity.
The first phase of the airport, scheduled for completion in 2029, will have an impressive capacity of 60 million passengers per year. To give you an idea of its size, this would be nearly three times larger than Africa’s current busiest airport.
This huge operation is expected to create thousands of jobs and support Ethiopian Airlines’ growing business and customer base.
The ultimate goal is to handle a staggering 110 million passengers a year and quadruple Bole International Airport’s capacity.
World class development plan
Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, spoke about the planned development. “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate Africa’s aviation industry.”
To realize this vision, the airline commissioned a consortium led by Dar Al Handassah Consultants (Scheer & Partners) on a consultancy contract.
The group also includes renowned architecture firms Zaha Hadid Architects and Pascoal + Watson Architects, as well as engineering giants Landrum & Brown and TY Lin.
This consortium has an impressive track record. According to Engineering News Record 2023, Dar, TY Lin, Landrum&Brown is part of Sidara, a global leader in the aviation industry.
Zaha Hadid Architects brings its iconic design flair and extensive airport project experience, while Pascoal + Watson Architects brings a wealth of expertise from over 2,000 aviation projects around the world.
Together, the companies will oversee technical advisory, engineering, project management and construction oversight for the airport’s extensive facilities, including the passenger terminal, airline support areas, runways and infrastructure.
Ethiopian Airlines and partners
Ethiopian Airlines itself is a global aviation success story. As Africa’s largest airline with a state-of-the-art fleet serving over 150 destinations, we have a track record of growth and innovation.
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, the leader of the consortium, is a global leader in the design, planning and engineering of a wide range of infrastructure projects.
Zaha Hadid Architects was founded in London 45 years ago and is internationally known for its groundbreaking architectural designs.
The Absera Airport project represents a bold and ambitious step for Ethiopian Airlines. This has the potential to transform air travel in Africa and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.
As the project progresses, industry insiders will be watching with interest as this giant airport takes shape.
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