State-owned Ethiopian Airlines has commenced construction on a $12.5bn airport project on Saturday (January 10).
Bishoftu International Airport is set to become the largest in the continent, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2030. This airport will be able to accommodate 60 million passengers annually after this first phase is completed and then 110 million passengers upon full completion.
The airport is located in the city of Bishoftu just outside of the capital Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian had secured the contract for its design. The airport is expected to have four runways.
“We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent's aviation ecosystem,” said Ethiopian AIrlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.
Tasew added that the project will support the “growing demand” for the airline's passenger and cargo services.