Ethiopia has embarked on a transformative journey with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion megaproject designed by Zaha Hadid Architects that will redefine the continent’s aviation landscape. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali laid the cornerstone on January 10, 2026, marking the official start of what officials describe as the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history. Located 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the airport will eventually boast a capacity four times greater than Ethiopia’s current main airport, which is projected to reach its operational limits within the next two to three years. The ambitious development positions Ethiopia as Africa’s premier aviation gateway, connecting the continent to global destinations through Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier.
The architectural design draws profound inspiration from Ethiopia’s geological wonder, the Great Rift Valley, which passes near Bishoftu as it traverses through the country. A single central spine organizes the terminal’s facilities and aircraft piers, creating an intuitive flow that minimizes transfer distances for the estimated 80 percent of passengers who will transit through without leaving the airport. The terminal features a distinctive cross-shaped form spanning 660,000 square meters, with each pier showcasing unique interior materials and color palettes inspired by Ethiopia’s diverse environments, from its highlands to lowlands and valleys. This thoughtful integration of regional identity into functional design reflects Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature parametric approach, transforming natural landscapes into architectural expression.
Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects
Construction will proceed in multiple phases, with the initial opening targeted for 2030. Phase One includes two independently operating Code 4E parallel runways and a terminal designed to accommodate 60 million passengers annually. Subsequent phases will expand capacity to 110 million passengers per year, supported by four runways and parking facilities for 270 aircraft. This phased approach allows Ethiopian Airlines to incrementally meet rising demand, responding to International Air Transport Association forecasts predicting over 200 percent growth in East African air travel demand over the coming decade. The strategic expansion plan demonstrates careful consideration of both immediate needs and long-term growth trajectories.
The airport prioritizes the transit passenger experience with extensive amenities, including a 350-room airside hotel, diverse dining and entertainment facilities, plus outdoor courtyards landscaped with native drought-resistant plants. Natural ventilation and effective solar shading take advantage of the Oromia region’s temperate subtropical highland climate, creating semi-enclosed spaces where passengers can enjoy warm summers and mild winters. The design targets LEED Gold certification, incorporating locally sourced concrete and steel to reduce carbon footprint while supporting regional economic development. Photovoltaic arrays throughout the campus will enable on-site energy production, while stormwater management systems channel runoff into new wetlands and bioswales.
Bishoftu’s location delivers significant operational advantages, situated nearly 400 meters lower in elevation than the existing Bole Airport. Combined with longer runways, this enables aircraft to operate at higher maximum take-off weights while consuming less fuel, optimizing Ethiopian Airlines’ modern fleet for longer non-stop routes. A planned high-speed rail link will connect Bishoftu with central Addis Ababa and Bole Airport, forming the cornerstone of an integrated regional transport network. The surrounding Airport City, featuring mixed-use buildings, will serve approximately 80,000 residents and operate 24 hours without curfew restrictions, establishing a vibrant new urban district.
The post This $12.5B Cross-Shaped Airport Will Become Africa’s Largest by 2030 first appeared on Yanko Design.