Ethiopia Launches Africa’s Biggest Airport As Kenya Lags
Ethiopia has begun the construction of a multibillion-dollar airport, outpacing Kenya’s drive to become one of Africa’s greatest aviation hubs.
On Saturday, January 10, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid the groundwork for Bishoftu International Airport, Africa’s largest aviation hub.
Abby stated that the new mega airport would be built beside Addis Abeba Bole International Airport, which is approaching its enhanced annual handling capacity of 25 million people.
He stated that once completed, the new airport’s first phase will handle up to 60 million people per year, with a total master plan capacity of 110 million passengers yearly.
To sustain Ethiopia’s rapid aviation growth and Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding global network, a new mega hub is being developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded capacity of 25 million passengers annually. This multi-airport strategy… pic.twitter.com/AQvCPrMAhZ
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) January 10, 2026
“Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history,” said Abby.
“It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialisation agenda, and long-term aviation strategy.”
Big News: The 110 million passenger, US$12 billion Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), officially started construction today at a beautiful ceremony lead by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
— Zemedeneh Negatu (@Zemedeneh) January 10, 2026
BIA will be amongst the 10 largest airports in the world at full… pic.twitter.com/6gkH6hD7fs
According to the Prime Minister, the initiative will boost Ethiopian Airlines’ worldwide competitiveness, improve African connectivity, and establish Ethiopia as a major intercontinental hub.
Ethiopia’s new step could create a precedent for numerous African countries, like Kenya, that are currently dealing with inadequate airport infrastructure.
While Kenya initially stated plans to invest in aviation infrastructure, Ethiopia’s opening of its new airport demonstrates the neighboring country’s commitment to improving its infrastructure.
WATCH: The design of Ethiopia’s new Bishoftu Airport, whose construction was launched today. 🇪🇹 pic.twitter.com/W8v4jkXoPm
— Conflict Zone (@breaking_bre) January 10, 2026
A new Kenyan airport, similar to Ethiopia’s Bishoftu project, has the potential to strengthen the country’s air transportation system, increase passenger handling capacity, and support more flights.
It would also assist in decongesting the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has faced significant issues in recent years due to its aging infrastructure.
Ethiopia Launches Africa’s Biggest Airport As Kenya Lags
So good. Kenyan president is also thinking about transiting it to look exactly like Singapore! Otherwise good work your Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed