Ethiopia Begins Construction of Africa's Largest Airport in Bishoftu

New Airport Construction in Ethiopia

• ✈️ Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched a $12.5 billion construction project for a new airport in Bishoftu, located southeast of Addis Ababa.
• 🌍 Upon completion in 2030, it is expected to become Africa's biggest airport.

Airport Capacity and Funding

• 📈 The new facility will accommodate 270 planes and handle up to 110 million passengers annually, significantly exceeding the capacity of Ethiopia's current main airport.
• 💰 Ethiopian Airlines will fund 30% of the project, investing $610 million from its own resources, while lenders will finance the remaining portion.
• 🏦 Financiers include institutions from the Middle East, China, Europe, and the US, with the African Development Bank pledging a $500 million loan and leading efforts to raise an additional $8.7 billion.

Community Concerns

• 🏘️ While the government has committed to providing resettlement support for displaced communities, some residents express worries.
• 😟 Concerns include the high cost of living, particularly for the youth, and the difficulty in finding affordable housing and employment.

Ethiopian Airlines' Growth

• 🚀 Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, has been expanding its routes and increasing revenue in recent years.