AfDB to Mobilise $7.8bn for Ethiopian Airlines’ New Four-Runway | By David Kwakutse | The African Development Bank (AfDB) has been appointed as Mandated Lead Arranger to secure US$7.8 billion in funding for Ethiopian Airlines’ new Bishoftu International Airport, a mega-hub set to be the largest airport in Africa.
The US$10 billion project will be situated in Abusera, 40 km south of Addis Ababa. It will include four parallel runways, modern passenger terminals, and a cargo hub designed to handle millions of tonnes annually.
Ethiopian Airlines will contribute 20% of the funding, and the AfDB will lead efforts to mobilise the remaining resources from global lenders and investment partners.
AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina and Ethiopian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha signed the mandate letter in Addis Ababa. Dr. Adesina emphasised the project’s significance for Africa’s aviation growth.
First phase by 2029
The airport’s first phase, opening in November 2029, will feature two parallel runways and a 775,000 m² passenger terminal with capacity for 60 million passengers per year. At full completion, Bishoftu International will have four runways, 1.5 million m² of terminal facilities, and capacity for 110 million passengers — more than any current African hub, including Johannesburg, Cairo, and Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.
Cargo facilities will start with capacity for 2.1 million tonnes annually, rising to 3.73 million tonnes at full development. The project also includes an Airport City with hotels, business parks, and leisure facilities to boost local economic growth.
Urgency for expansion
Bole International Airport, Africa’s busiest airline hub, is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually. In FY 2024/25, it handled 19 million passengers. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew has said further expansion of Bole is not feasible, making the new airport critical to meet forecast demand of 60 million passengers annually by 2040.
Ethiopia’s Finance Minister Ahmed Shide noted that Bishoftu is a vital gateway to progress and prosperity and will position Ethiopia among the world’s top 20 aviation hubs by 2035. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, and the AfDB’s financial leadership is seen as the key driver of this landmark project.
AfDB to Mobilise $7.8bn for Ethiopian Airlines’ New Four-Runway | AviationGhana
