Ethiopian Airlines And Dar Al-Handasah To Design Revolutionary Mega Airport City

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Ethiopian Airlines partners with Dar Al-Handasah to develop a groundbreaking Mega Airport City, poised to transform Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, a leader in African aviation, has entered into a technical advisory and consultancy agreement with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), who collaborate with the globally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects. This partnership aims to design and oversee the construction of a cutting-edge Mega Airport City in Abusera, Bishoftu city.

Located just 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, this innovative airport city is set to transform Ethiopia’s air travel infrastructure. Once completed, the new airport is expected to accommodate 110 million passengers annually, quadrupling the current capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, announced the Mega Airport City project, highlighting its role in establishing Ethiopia as a global aviation hub. “The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region’s air travel infrastructure”.

Dar’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia Tariq Al-Qanni stated, “We are privileged to be collaborating with Ethiopian Airlines on this visionary new airport, which will provide vital global air connectivity, accelerate economic growth in Ethiopia, and elevate Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most strategic and most competitive aviation group.”

The initial phase of this ambitious project, expected to be completed by 2029, will position Ethiopia as a premier global gateway to Africa, with the capacity to handle 60 million passengers—nearly three times the number of passengers that passed through Africa’s busiest airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, in 2022. Ultimately, the new airport will be able to serve 110 million passengers annually, quadrupling the capacity of Bole International Airport.

The Mega Airport City will boast a sprawling 1.1 million square meter terminal, housing extensive passenger amenities, 126,190 square meters of airline support facilities, and over 100,000 square meters dedicated to cargo and airport support services. The development will also include an associated airfield and other critical infrastructure necessary for airport operations.

Situated at a lower elevation than Addis Ababa, the current primary hub, the new airport will avoid the unique operational challenges posed by Addis Ababa’s high altitude. The architectural team plans to integrate elements of Ethiopian culture into the design, creating a landmark structure that reflects the nation’s heritage. This people-focused, intuitive airport will prioritize sustainability, resilience, and adaptability for the future. Ethiopian Airlines is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience, ensuring that each journey is defined by excellence and innovation.