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Ethiopian Airlines plans to build Absela Mega Airport City, Africa’s largest and most advanced airport, a transformative project that will position Ethiopia as a dominant player in the global aviation industry. The airport is located in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. The location was chosen not only because of its proximity to the capital, but also because its lower altitude improves aircraft performance during takeoff, making it more efficient than the current Bole International Airport. Bole Airport is under increasing stress due to increasing passenger numbers, and the new airport will be an important expansion to support Ethiopian Airlines’ rapid growth and strategic ambitions.
The Absela mega-airport is expected to cost $6 billion and will be built in multiple phases. The first phase is targeted for completion by 2029 and will accommodate 60 million passengers a year. Once fully completed, the airport will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers a year, making it the continent’s largest and one of the world’s busiest airports. The project includes four runways, 270 aircraft parking bays, a terminal covering 1.1 million square meters, more than 126,000 square meters allocated to airline support and more than 100,000 square meters allocated to cargo and airport operations. The design and engineering of this monumental structure was commissioned to a world-renowned consortium led by Dar Alhandassah Consultants, working in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, Pascoal + Watson, Landrum & Brown, and TYLin. These companies are known for developing iconic, sustainable, high-capacity airports around the world.
The airport’s design will combine Ethiopian culture with modern architecture and advanced technology. Sustainability is a key focus, with features such as on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems and natural ventilation incorporated to minimize environmental impact. The airport has also been developed with future-readiness in mind, ensuring it can adapt to the challenges of evolving technology and climate. In terms of connectivity, an express railway is planned to connect the airport to central Addis Ababa, ensuring efficient transport of passengers and cargo, while also facilitating development along the corridor.
The project plays a key role in Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to place Ethiopian Airlines among the top 20 airline groups in the world. With reported revenues of $7 billion for the 2023/24 financial year and serving more than 17 million passengers, Ethiopian Airlines is already Africa’s largest and most profitable airline. The new airport will significantly expand the airline’s operational capacity and competitiveness. Beyond aviation, the Absela mega-airport is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, enhance trade and act as a catalyst for economic development in the region and across Africa. It’s more than just an airport. It is a national landmark and a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambitions and future potential in the global aviation industry.
