Ethiopian Airlines Group has made a significant move towards expanding its aviation footprint with the signing of a letter of intent for the construction of a world-class airport. The $7.8 billion project, Abusera International Airport, is set to address the growing demand for air travel and air cargo services in Ethiopia, reinforcing the country’s position as a key aviation hub in Africa.
A New Gateway for Africa’s Aviation Future
The new airport, planned to be built in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometers from the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, will be a major catalyst for growth in the region. Abusera International Airport will not only enhance passenger services but also strengthen air cargo operations, supporting Ethiopia’s expanding role in global trade and logistics.
Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s leading carriers, aims to boost intra-African connectivity and improve air access to the rest of the world with this new development. The airport will complement the recently expanded Bole International Airport, which is expected to hit its annual passenger capacity of 25 million in the near future. The new airport will allow Ethiopian Airlines to offer a more extensive and efficient network, further solidifying its competitive edge.
Key Players in the Project
The letter of intent for the project was signed on March 14, 2025, by Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, and Nnenna Nwabufo, vice president for regional development, integration, and business delivery at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Both parties are committed to making Abusera International Airport a reality, with AfDB pledging full support to this transformative project.
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB, expressed his strong backing for the development, noting, “Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s pride, a symbol of excellence and resilience.” He emphasized the bank’s role in strengthening Africa’s aviation leadership and fostering economic integration across the continent.
Ethiopia’s finance minister, Ahmed Shide, also voiced his support, calling the project a testament to the AfDB’s commitment to Ethiopia’s air transport ambitions. He noted that the airport would enhance Ethiopia’s global connectivity, creating a more integrated aviation hub that will benefit both the country and the continent as a whole.
Building a Stronger Aviation Network
Abusera International Airport will help Ethiopian Airlines not only maintain its competitive edge in passenger and cargo services but also improve Africa’s global air connectivity. With the addition of this major airport, Ethiopia will continue to play a central role in strengthening ties across Africa and beyond.
