Ethiopian Airlines Group has formally commenced the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, marking a significant step in the expansion of aviation infrastructure across Africa.

The commencement ceremony, held earlier in the week, drew the presence of high-ranking government officials and key industry stakeholders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed, members of the Federal Executive Council, senior government officials, aviation industry leaders, stakeholders, and top executives of Ethiopian Airlines.

At the event, the airline unveiled the architectural design of the proposed airport and disclosed that the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project had been successfully completed.

Prime Minister Ahmed, together with senior government officials and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Mesfin Tasew, jointly unveiled and placed the commemorative plaque, officially signalling the start of construction work on the project.

Speaking during the ceremony, Tasew described the project as a source of pride not only for Ethiopian Airlines but for the African continent as a whole.

He said the initiative marked the beginning of a transformative phase that would redefine the aviation landscape in Africa.

He stated, “As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services.

“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian, we are committed to realising the completion of this project.”

In his remarks, Prime Minister Ahmed described the occasion as a major milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards modernisation and sustained economic growth.

He said Ethiopian Airlines had continued to serve as a symbol of national pride, not because it had been free of challenges, but due to its resilience, capacity to overcome obstacles, and its pioneering contributions to African aviation.

Ahmed noted that the airline’s enduring strength was anchored on a strong corporate culture that prioritises safety and security, promotes leadership driven by creativity and diligence, and is sustained by a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who are deeply committed to the airline as the nation’s flag carrier.

He also emphasised the airline’s long-standing focus on continuous learning and capacity development as key pillars of its success.

Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a vital role in enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity within Africa and with the rest of the world.

The first phase of the airport project is scheduled for completion by 2030 and is projected to handle 60 million passengers annually, while the fully completed facility is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers each year.