Ethiopia’s New Airport Project: Agreement with AfDB to Support Infrastructure Development
Ethiopia has moved towards enhancing its aviation sector by constructing a new international airport near Addis Ababa, with a budget of $7.8 billion, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB). This project aims to accommodate the expected increase in passenger numbers and strengthen the country’s position as a regional air transport hub. The New International Airport in Ethiopia is a significant development in the region.
Project Details and Location
An agreement has been signed between the Ethiopian government and the African Development Bank to support the construction of the new airport, which will be built in Bishoftu, about 20 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. The project is expected to expand Ethiopia’s airport capacity, serving 60 million passengers annually when completed by 2040. The new international airport will boost the country’s connectivity.
Expected Role of the African Development Bank
The financial contribution from the African Development Bank has not been disclosed, but the bank has expressed its full commitment to supporting the project. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance has also urged the bank to extend its support to renewable energy projects and regional integration. The New International Airport in Ethiopia also aligns with the country’s infrastructure goals.
Bole International Airport and Future Challenges
Currently, Bole International Airport serves as the main airport in Ethiopia’s capital. The government opened it in 1962 and later expanded it in 2018 with the help of a Chinese company. The airport handles 22 million passengers annually, but with a 6% yearly increase in traffic, demand is expected to surpass its capacity soon. This growth highlights the urgent need for more advanced aviation infrastructure.
The new international airport project in Ethiopia is essential to meet future demand
Significance of the Project for Ethiopia’s Aviation Sector
The new airport is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s role as a regional aviation hub, becoming the largest in Northeast Africa in terms of passenger capacity. Additionally, it may contribute to improving international connectivity and creating new economic opportunities in the aviation and logistics sectors. This new international airport in Ethiopia will be transformative for the region.
Project Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Location | Bishoftu, 20 km southeast of Addis Ababa |
| Estimated Cost | $7.8 billion |
| Supporting Entity | African Development Bank (AfDB) |
| Expected Capacity | 60 million passengers annually |
| Estimated Completion Date | 2040 |
| Current Airport | Bole International Airport |
| Current Capacity of Bole Airport | 22 million passengers per year |
| Annual Passenger Growth Rate | 6% |
The new airport represents a significant step in Ethiopia’s aviation development, aiming to ease congestion at Bole International Airport while providing greater capacity to accommodate the continuous growth in passenger numbers. Befitting its strategic goals, the new international airport in Ethiopia stands as a critical infrastructure project.
