Global race heats up for the $9 Billion Mega-Airport Project

2026-02-15 - 21:57

Competition is intensifying for Ethiopia’s planned mega-airport in Bishoftu, as Ethiopian Airlines confirmed that 35 major international firms have formally expressed interest in constructing the multibillion-dollar facility. The landmark project, designed to position the national carrier as Africa’s leading aviation powerhouse, has attracted global attention from industry giants eager to take part in what could become one of the continent’s biggest aviation infrastructure projects. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the airline has been in months of consultation with top international contractors. A shortlist of the most technically qualified firms will be finalized within 10 days, he noted, with tenders to follow shortly after. According to the project timeline, detailed design work will be concluded by the end of February 2026. Formal tenders will be launched on March 3, and construction contracts with four selected firms are slated to be signed by August. Currently, land clearing and leveling work is advancing at speed under the supervision of three contractors. The foundation stone for the new airport—set to transform Bishoftu into a regional aviation hub—was earlier laid by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Mesfin emphasized that the financing model breaks from traditional government-backed loans. Instead, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to secure funding, with the project itself serving as collateral rather than the Ethiopian government or the airline. Estimated to cost $9 billion, the massive development is being coordinated by the African Development Bank (AfDB), while global consultancy KPMG serves as the principal financial advisor. Lenders began feasibility studies in November, and final financing agreements are expected by December 2026. Once operational, the Bishoftu airport is projected to substantially increase Ethiopia’s passenger and cargo handling capacity, further cementing the country’s growing position as Africa’s aviation gateway.