Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) has signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with an international multidisciplinary consulting firm to design a new "mega airport" that will handle 110 million passengers annually, more than four times Addis Ababa International's current capacity. The project will reportedly cost USD6 billion over five years.
Ethiopia News Agency reports that CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasised the project's importance in accommodating the airline's rapid growth and its role in achieving the its target of USD25 billion in annual revenue and 67 million passengers by 2035.
In a statement, the airline announced it had signed up Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), working with Zaha Hadid Architects, to design and supervise the project, which will boost the airline's expansion plans and establish Ethiopia as an international hub.
"The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritise 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," commented Mesfin.
The new airport will be located at Abusera, a village 40 kilometres south of both Addis Ababa and the current airport. When the first phase is completed by 2029, capacity will rise to 60 million passengers, almost three times the number recorded in 2022 at the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the airline said.
Labelled a "mega airport city," the project will feature a 1.1 million-square-metre terminal building including passenger facilities, 126,190 square metres of airline support facilities, and more than 100,000 square metres of cargo and other airport support facilities as well as "an associated airfield".
The new airport will be situated at around 1,800 metres ASL against Addis International's present elevation of 2,300m ASL. Carriers are therefore expected to benefit from somewhat improved take-off performances despite the still hot & high conditions.
