• Ethiopian Airlines to launch cargo flights to Nigeria’s Gateway Airport
• New route strengthens air cargo connectivity between Ethiopia and West Africa
• Expansion targets growing intra-African trade and logistics demand
• Gateway Airport positioned as emerging cargo hub in Nigeria
• Move supports airline’s broader African cargo network expansion strategy
• Enhances export-import logistics efficiency across regional markets

why it matters?
Expansion into Nigeria strengthens Ethiopia’s logistics footprint in West Africa, supporting trade flows and reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ dominance in African cargo transport.

• Bank of China and African Development Bank reviewing financing for Bishoftu Airport

• Project estimated at $5–6 billion total investment cost

• Planned capacity: 60–100 million passengers per year (long-term)

• Initial phase targets tens of millions passenger capacity

• Airport to complement Addis Ababa Bole International Airport capacity limits

• Designed to handle large-scale cargo volumes for export logistics

• Financing structure under discussion includes multi-lender participation

Why it matters?

A $5–6B airport with up to 100M passenger capacity would significantly expand Ethiopia’s aviation and cargo logistics capacity, supporting trade and forex growth.

• Bishoftu International Airport construction workforce projected 50,000 workers in 2026, according to project labor demand estimates.

• Workforce expected 70,000 in 2027, 90,000 in 2028, and 100,000 in 2029 during peak construction period.

• Labor management plan prepared by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants and Ethiopian Engineering Corporation.

• Airport project led by Ethiopian Airlines Group to expand national aviation capacity.

• Airport planned in Bishoftu, 40 km southeast of Addis Ababa.

• Project designed to supplement operations at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

why it matters?
The project will employ tens of thousands during construction and expand Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure. Increased capacity may support aviation, logistics, and related services sectors.

• Ethiopian Airlines signed import document for food waste conversion project.

• Project aims to process organic waste into sustainable products.

• Initiative targets waste from airline catering and related operations.

• Equipment to be imported for waste processing and value-added production.

• Project supports circular economy and resource efficiency objectives.

• Implementation expected to reduce waste disposal volumes.

Why it matters?

• Reduces operational waste costs and supports industrial recycling value chains.

• Ethiopian Airlines confirmed 35 international firms expressed interest in constructing the Bishoftu mega-airport.

• Detailed design completion targeted by end of February 2026.

• Formal tenders scheduled for March 3; four construction contracts to be signed by August.

• Project cost estimated at USD 9 billion.

• Financing structured through a Special Purpose Vehicle, using project assets as collateral.

• African Development Bank coordinates the project; KPMG serves as financial advisor.

• Final financing agreements expected by December 2026.

Why it matters?
The USD 9 billion airport project is advancing toward tendering and financing closure. SPV-based funding and multilateral coordination shape execution of Ethiopia’s largest aviation infrastructure development.

• Ethiopian Airlines Group generated USD 4.4 billion in revenue in the first half of its current fiscal year. 

• Half-year revenue increased 14% versus last year’s record. 

• The airline added seven aircraft during the six-month period.

• Total fleet reached 147 aircraft over the period. 

• Ethiopian logged nearly 334,000 flight hours and carried 10.64 million passengers. 

• Cargo transported was 451,000 tons, up 19% year-on-year.

Why it matters?
Half-year revenue growth signals expansion of Ethiopian Airlines’ operations, including fleet size, passenger volumes, and cargo throughput, affecting airline industry performance metrics.