Ethiopian Airlines Group expects to select a lead contractor for Bishoftu Airport

EAG expects to select a lead contractor between June and July 2026.
Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG) aims to finalize the principal contractor for the Bishoftu airport project in this period. 

The Bishoftu International Airport project budget is in the multi-billion-dollar range.
Estimates place the total cost between $7.8 billion and over $12.5 billion depending on scope and expansion phases. 

Bishoftu International Airport will handle up to 110 million passengers annually.
Full project completion is designed for an annual capacity of 110 million passengers. 

Construction began in January 2026 with phased delivery by 2030.
Groundbreaking occurred 10 January 2026, and Phase I targeting 60 million passengers per year is set for completion by 2030. 

EAG and lenders will finance the project with defined ratios.
Ethiopian Airlines will cover about 30 % of costs, while lenders—including the African Development Bank’s $500 million contribution—will fund the remainder.