Overview
- Earthmoving is underway on the 4,000-hectare site at Bishoftu, with two Chinese construction firms currently working on the ground.
- Plans envision capacity for up to 110 million passengers annually, as many as four runways, and 270 aircraft stands, with x‑shaped terminals featuring natural ventilation, shading louvers, and large gardens.
- The build is budgeted at roughly €11 billion, with Ethiopian Airlines committing 30% while investor selection continues, and key awards expected by August 2026.
- KfW IPEX-Bank highlights export opportunities for European industry as investors from the Middle East, the United States, China, and Europe signal interest.
- Thousands of mainly farming households were resettled for the project, with reports of new housing but only partial compensation for lost land, and completion is targeted for 2030.