Ethiopian Airlines has laid the cornerstone for Bishoftu International Airport – one of the world’s largest projects, expected to reshape the continent’s air connectivity map and provide faster and more convenient flights for Israeli passengers. With a capacity of up to 110 million passengers per year, significant operational advantages, and a vision of environmental sustainability, the new airport positions Ethiopia at the center of Africa’s strategic transportation network.
The city of Bishoftu, located about 40 km south of Addis Ababa, will become a major aviation “hub” and contribute to strengthening Ethiopia’s position. The new airport is planned to serve up to 110 million passengers annually, with Phase A expected to be completed by 2030, accommodating around 60 million passengers. The first-phase investment is estimated at approximately $12.5 billion.
A Strategic Connection Point for Israelis
The choice of Bishoftu stems from its lower elevation compared to Addis Ababa, allowing departing aircraft to consume less fuel, carry full loads, and reach longer flight ranges – a significant operational advantage for the airline. Moreover, Ethiopia’s location directly south of Israel makes the new airport a strategic connection point for Israeli passengers, with convenient onward flights to destinations in South Asia and South America.
The airport has been designed as a state-of-the-art facility with a focus on environmental sustainability, including solar energy, energy-efficient systems, low-emission operations, and future readiness for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) integration. During the ceremony, the airline also presented the airport’s design and highlighted the resettlement and livelihood restoration project for the local communities.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said: “This is a moment of great pride for the airline and for Africa as a whole. Laying the cornerstone for Bishoftu Airport marks a new chapter that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem and meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo services.”
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates about 18 weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Addis Ababa, which serves as its global hub and offers extensive connections to major destinations in Africa, South Asia, and South America. In Israel, the airline is represented by Tal Aviation Group.