Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Ethiopian Airlines Group has embarked on a groundbreaking venture with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) and Zaha Hadid Architects to develop a vast ‘mega airport city’ at Abusera, Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The ambitious project involves the design and supervision of a massive airport complex that will span 1,100,000m2, including a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, airline support facilities spanning 126,190m2, and more than 100,000m2 dedicated to cargo and other airport support functions. Additionally, the development will feature an associated airfield and crucial airport infrastructure.
Strategically located just 40km from the bustling Addis Ababa Bole International Airport—Africa’s busiest in 2022—the new airport city is poised to handle 110 million passengers annually upon completion, quadrupling the current capacity of its predecessor. The first phase, targeted for completion by 2029, aims to accommodate 60 million passengers. Lower Elevation, Elevated Experience Unlike the existing hub, the new airport will be situated at a lower elevation, addressing operational challenges posed by one of the world’s highest airport locations.
The design will integrate elements of Ethiopian heritage, creating a landmark that symbolizes the nation’s culture while focusing on sustainability, resilience, and futuristic readiness. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, highlighted the project’s potential to enhance connectivit.