Zaha Hadid Architects Designs Bishoftu International Airport for Ethiopian Airlines

Work has officially commenced on Bishoftu International Airport, a major new aviation project designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for Ethiopian Airlines Group. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place on January 10, 2026, with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali presiding over the event. Situated roughly 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the airport marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation infrastructure and is envisioned as the largest airport on the African continent once completed.

The development will unfold in multiple phases. The initial stage is planned to accommodate approximately 60 million passengers annually, while future expansions are projected to raise total capacity to around 110 million passengers per year. When fully realized, the airport will include four runways and aircraft parking facilities for up to 270 planes—more than quadrupling the capacity of Ethiopia’s existing primary airport.

Strategic Infrastructure for a Growing Aviation Network

As Africa’s leading airline by scale, Ethiopian Airlines has positioned the new airport as a central pillar of its long-term growth strategy. Bishoftu International Airport is planned to be seamlessly linked to Addis Ababa’s city center and the current Bole International Airport through a high-speed rail system, reinforcing its role within a wider national and regional transport network.

The airport’s location has been carefully selected to enable uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations without curfew restrictions. Sitting nearly 400 meters lower than Addis Ababa’s current airport, the site allows for extended runway lengths. These longer runways are expected to enhance aircraft performance, support heavier take-off weights, and enable longer direct flights, increasing both passenger reach and cargo efficiency.

Airport City and Regional Impact

Beyond aviation infrastructure, the project incorporates an integrated Airport City designed to support a resident and working population of approximately 80,000 people. This mixed-use development will include commercial, residential, and service-oriented buildings, positioning the airport as both an economic engine and an urban extension of the capital region.

The scale and ambition of the project underline Ethiopia’s intent to strengthen its role as a continental and global transport hub, supporting trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Terminal Design Shaped by Transfer Passenger Flow

Zaha Hadid Architects has developed the terminal concept in direct response to Ethiopian Airlines’ operational model, which relies heavily on transit passengers. With as many as 80 percent of travelers expected to transfer between flights without exiting the airport, the terminal layout emphasizes clarity, efficiency, and short connection times.

To enhance the transfer experience, the design integrates a wide range of passenger-focused facilities, including a 350-room hotel located within the airside zone, diverse dining and entertainment options, and landscaped outdoor courtyards and gardens. These spaces are intended to soften the scale of the terminal while offering moments of rest and orientation within the complex flow of global travel.

Renders:  X Universe