Ethiopian Airlines is pressing ahead with plans to build its new mega-airport in Bishoftu, with international lenders expected to finalize multi-billion-dollar financing approvals by March 2027, according to the airline.
The carrier said land-clearing work and the rehabilitation of displaced farmers have largely been completed, clearing the way for the project to move into the contractor selection phase. Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew outlined the latest milestones and timeline changes during the group’s 2025/26 budget year report last week.
The first phase of the project was launched in January with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior government officials. The airport, which is expected to cost more than $10 billion, is being developed as Africa’s largest airport and Ethiopian Airlines’ new global hub.
Designed to handle up to 60 million passengers, the Bishoftu Airport is intended to help position Ethiopia among the world’s top 20 aviation hubs by 2035. The project is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.
Mesfin said the airport has attracted more than $8 billion in financing demand and that the African Development Bank is serving as lead arranger. He said the bank has indicated a willingness to provide $500 million once board approval is secured.
Other institutions that have shown interest in financing the project include the US International Development Finance Corporation, the US Export-Import Bank, JPMorgan Chase and other foreign lenders.
The airline said the financing approvals are expected to be completed by March 2027. Mesfin also said construction companies had asked for more time to prepare bids and carry out the necessary studies, consult with lenders and organize subcontractors.
As a result, the deadline for selecting construction contractors has been pushed from August to January next year. Mesfin said the revision will not change the project’s final completion date or alter its overall execution plan.
The pre-qualification process for engineering, procurement and construction-financing across four major work packages was completed in April, and several major international companies have been shortlisted. Among them are China Communications Construction Company, Webuild, Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Samsung C&T and Beijing Urban Construction Group.
Ethiopian Airlines said the project remains aligned with its long-term schedule. The land grading and clearing work that began in January is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The airline also said it has completed rehabilitation work for farmers displaced by the project and is working with affected communities to support new sources of income and jobs. Mesfin said only a small part of the transition work remains and will be finalized in the coming months.
The airport will include an “Airport City” with hotels, business parks and entertainment areas, along with a 38-kilometer high-speed railway and a 12-lane highway connecting the site to Addis Ababa.
