Overview
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed led a January 10 foundation ceremony near Bishoftu, formally launching construction of the new national gateway.
- Phase one is planned to handle about 60 million passengers annually by 2030, with an eventual design capacity of up to 110 million.
- Project specifications vary by source, with plans citing up to four runways and parking for 270 aircraft, while some reports describe two runways in early stages.
- Ethiopian Airlines pegs the budget at roughly $12.5 billion, plans to finance about 30%, has committed $610 million for initial earthworks, and is seeking international lenders as major works are slated from August 2026.
- The OLF alleges forced displacement affecting roughly 3,000 households, while Ethiopian Airlines says a resettlement and livelihood program has been completed, highlighting an unresolved dispute.