Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has identified Ethiopian Airlines as a cornerstone of national pride during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bishoftu International Airport (BIA).

Accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior government officials, the Prime Minister noted that the airline's success is rooted in its resilience and ability to overcome significant obstacles rather than a lack of challenges. He emphasized that the strength of the national carrier lies in a deeply embedded corporate culture that prioritizes safety and security while being led by creative and hardworking leadership. He also credited the airlines workforce of over 26,000 employees for their belief in the carrier as a symbol of the nation and their ongoing commitment to professional capacity building.

The new airport is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. At an elevation of 1,910 meters, the site provides optimal conditions for aircraft performance and the streamlined movement of both transit and origin-destination passengers. To integrate the hub with the capital, the project includes the development of a modern multi-lane highway and a 38-kilometer high-speed railway capable of operating speeds between 120 and 200 km/h.

Bishoftu International Airport is designed to be the largest aviation infrastructure project in the history of the continent. The development will proceed in stages to transform Ethiopia into a premier global aviation hub.

The first phase is set to accommodate 60 million passengers annually. Upon the realization of the full master plan, the facility will have the capacity to serve 110 million passengers per year. Prime Minister Abiy stated that this project aligns with the nation's broader industrialization agenda and economic reforms, ensuring Ethiopia's competitiveness in the global market.