Ethiopian Airlines has laid the groundwork for what will become the largest airport in Africa. A deal was reached with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants worth £4.7 billion, roughly equivalent to $6 billion.

Details On The "Mega Airport City"

The first phase of Ethiopian Airlines' new airport is expected to be complete and operational in the year 2029. This site will be constructed next to Bishoftu, nearly 30 miles from Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. The planned "Mega Airport City" is meant to replace Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which likely won't be able to keep up with the influx of passengers in the next couple of years.

Bole currently sits at 7,600 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest-elevated international airports on Earth. The new airport will be at a slightly lower sea level of 6,300 ft., making it easier for planes' engines to start and planes to take off. The new airport is planned to feature four runways by the time it opens. 

Dar Al-Handasah Consultants will hire world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects to design and construct the new airport. According to the deal, Ethiopian Airlines is hoping to serve 60 million passengers per year, three times the amount that has traveled through Bole in 2022. By the time the airport is fully finished, the facility is expected to be large enough to serve 110 million passengers annually.

Hopes For A "Mega" Economy

Ethiopian Airlines is hoping for the huge investment to pay off big for Ethiopia's economy and travel scene. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesin Tasew had this to say on the deal with Dar Al-Handasah:

“The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline's commitment to innovation and sustainability. 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”.

Annual events that travelers around the world look forward to in Ethiopia include Ethiopian Christmas on January 7th, The Timkat Festival, Fasika, and the Great Ethiopian Run, the latter of which attracts some of the world's fastest runners. 

As for international flights, Ethiopian Airlines currently flies to and from a handful of international cities, including New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, London, São Paulo, Athens, and Toronto.

Ethiopia is just one of a handful of countries planned to receive new or upgraded international airports in the next few years. 
 

• The Maldives is working on an $800 million expansion to Hanimaadhoo Airport, aiming for a completion date towards the end of the year.
• Norway is set to replace Bodø Airport with New Bodø Airport, hoping to open in 2029.
• UAE is expected to decide on either replacing or upgrading Al Maktoum International Airport which first opened in 2013.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently in development of the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, with a tentative completion date of 2030.
• Greenland is expected to build a total of three airports in the future, with the first slated to open later this year. 
• Italy will also be building a new airport for one of its most popular tourist destinations, as Salemo Costa D'Amalfi Airport will soon be completed near the Amalfi Coast in 2026.
• Zaha Hadid Architects is also currently constructing new terminals for Western Sydney International Airport in Badgerys, Australia. This project is also said to wrap up in 2026.

What do you think of Ethiopia Airlines' plans to expand its air travel presence? Does a trip to Ethiopia sound intriguing to you? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section!