Ethiopian Airlines Signs Design Contract for $6 Billion Mega Airport

Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) has secured a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, to design a new mega airport. This ambitious project, slated to cost USD 6 billion over five years, aims to handle 110 million passengers annually, a significant increase from Addis Ababa International’s current capacity.

CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the importance of this development for accommodating the airline’s rapid expansion. The new airport is crucial for Ethiopian Airlines to achieve its goal of USD 25 billion in annual revenue and 67 million passengers by 2035.

Located in Abusera, 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and the existing airport, the new facility will elevate Ethiopia’s status as a major international hub. The first phase, set to be completed by 2029, will boost capacity to 60 million passengers, nearly triple the 2022 figures for Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The “mega airport city” will feature a 1.1 million-square-meter terminal, 126,190 square meters of airline support facilities, and over 100,000 square meters of cargo and other support structures. Situated at 1,800 meters above sea level, the new airport will offer improved take-off performance compared to the current facility’s elevation of 2,300 meters.

Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices, marking a significant advancement for African aviation and the region’s air travel infrastructure.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com