Ethiopia is preparing to build a new international airport in Bishoftu, a project that promises to make the nation a powerhouse in African aviation. This ambitious plan, which Finance Minister Ahmed Shide says is crucial for the country's economic future, is set to be one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region.

With an estimated price tag of up to $10 billion, the new airport will be built in the 'Abu sera' area and is designed to handle a staggering 60 million passengers annually in its first phase alone. This will significantly ease the pressure on the existing Bole International Airport, which has been struggling with soaring passenger numbers. The Bole airport will be modernized to focus on domestic travel, while the new Bishoftu facility will take over all international flights, transforming the country's air travel network.

The project is backed by a $500 million loan from the African Development Bank, which will also help secure the rest of the funding from international investors. The construction is expected to start in late 2025 and is part of a grander vision to make Ethiopia the undisputed leader of Africa's aviation industry, creating thousands of jobs and opening new doors for global trade and tourism, ENA learned.