Ethiopian Airlines has entered into a monumental $6 billion agreement with DAR, a global consulting company, to design and construct the largest airline hub in Africa. The new mega airport will be situated near Bishoftu, Oromia, covering an expansive area of 35 square kilometers and featuring a terminal capable of accommodating more than 270 aircraft.
The partnership was officially announced on August 9, 2024, during a signing ceremony held at the Sky Light Hotel in Addis Ababa. The agreement was inked by Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, and Tariq Naji Al-Qani, Director of Operations at Dar Al-Handasah, a Dubai-based consulting firm.
Mesfin Tasew expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are thrilled to have signed this agreement with DAR to develop a new mega airport at Bishoftu Abu Sera. This is a significant milestone for Ethiopian Airlines as we continue to expand our operations and cement our position as a leading airline in Africa.”
The ambitious project will be completed in two phases, with the first phase alone requiring an estimated $6 billion. The first phase is set to include the construction of airport facilities with a capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually. Upon completion of the second phase, the airport’s capacity will expand to accommodate over 100 million passengers per year, solidifying its status as the largest airport on the continent.
The construction is expected to take five years, with the initial year dedicated to finalizing the detailed design and selecting contractors. DAR, known for its extensive experience in airport construction around the world, will oversee the entire process, from design to completion.
“This agreement also includes supervision of the construction work from start to finish,” Mesfin added, emphasizing the significance of DAR’s role in ensuring the successful execution of the project.
The new mega airport is poised to become a pivotal hub for African and international air travel, enhancing Ethiopia’s position as a key player in the global aviation industry.
