Ethiopian Airlines has signed a landmark agreement for the design of Africa's largest airport, a new four-runway facility set to be completed by 2029. The airport, located near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, is poised to become a major aviation hub with the capacity to handle 100 million passengers annually and parking space for 270 aircraft.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, announced the deal during a press conference, highlighting the significance of the project for the region and the continent. Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara has been tasked with designing the massive infrastructure. Tariq Al Qanni, Sidara's director of operations, confirmed the company's involvement in this ambitious project.

The airport project, initially announced in 2018, comes as Ethiopia prepares for the growing demand in air travel. The existing Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the current main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, is nearing its capacity, which stands at 25 million passengers per year. With this new airport, Ethiopian Airlines aims to solidify its position as Africa's leading airline.

The project's first phase is expected to cost at least $6 billion, with financing secured through loans. Mesfin indicated that several companies have already expressed interest in contributing to the funding.

The new airport will be crucial for accommodating the airline's growing passenger numbers, which reached 17 million in the 2023/2024 financial year, with expectations to rise to 20 million in the current financial year starting in July.

This development marks a significant milestone in Africa's aviation industry, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in the global aviation sector and setting the stage for enhanced connectivity across the continent.