Addis Ababa|Forum of Horn Vision"HAPC"

Sunday|June21,2026

Ethiopia’s ambitious plan to build the largest airport in Africa has entered the stage of actual implementation on the ground, as revealed by the latest satellite images that have detected a rapid transformation at the site of the “Bishofto International Airport” project, highlighting the start of comprehensive excavation and paving works to prepare the infrastructure for this strategic edifice.

The project is located 45 kilometers southeast of the capital Addis Ababa, and has been allocated a huge investment budget of up to $ 12.5 billion.

This represents Ethiopia’s biggest gamble to alleviate the stifling pressure on the capital’s current airport, and to keep pace with the expansion leaps achieved by Ethiopian Airlines.

Space-Based Observation: From Agricultural Fields to Engineering Cells:

According to a precise timeline conducted by the Open Source Unit at (Al Jazeera Network) extending from last January until this June (2026), the features of the geographical transformation of the site, which has an area of 35.6 square kilometers, have emerged:

– January 2026: The first images showed only farmland and open spaces with tentative beginnings of site outlines.

Satellite image of Bishoftu area before the start of airport construction

– June 2026: A recent satellite image (dated June 13) revealed a complete reversal of the scene; heavy machinery was deployed, large areas of soil were excavated, and temporary dirt tracks and internal roads were opened for work.

Satellite image of Bishoftu area immediately after the airport construction work began.

Analytical note: Satellite images definitively confirm that the field movements are consistent with the official announcements of the Ethiopian government regarding the project entering the basic “groundwork” phase.

Abiy Ahmed : Digital Management and an Army of Workers:

In a comment via the “X” platform , Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, confirmed that construction work on the new airport is proceeding at a continuous pace without interruption.

During a site visit, Abiy Ahmed revealed huge operational details about the management of this project :

– Human resources: More than 8,000 workers are present in the extended construction workshop.

– Engineering equipment: Approximately 4,000 vehicles and heavy machinery are moving on the site.

– Technology used: The project management is entirely based on advanced digital systems, including virtual control rooms, drones, and dashboards to track the movement of equipment in real time.

The Prime Minister reassured local communities, stressing that the government is keen to take into account the conditions of farmers surrounding the area and that the construction work will not harm them.

Strategic Goal: To Accommodate 110 Million Passengers:

Through this project, the largest in the history of aviation infrastructure in Africa, Ethiopia aims to achieve a qualitative leap in its operational capacity. Upon completion and the launch of its main phases by 2030 , the airport will have the capacity to accommodate approximately 110 million passengers annually, while also providing extensive air cargo and international logistics services.

Funding Map: An African-Led International Alliance :

Regarding the financial aspect of the project, whose estimated cost increased from $10 billion to $ 12.5 billion as a result of modifying the technical specifications, Abraham Tesfaye , Director of Infrastructure Development and Planning at Ethiopian Airlines, explained the financing structure as follows:

– Ethiopian Airlines: will bear 30% of the total cost, having already allocated $610 million for current engineering excavation work expected to be completed within a year.

– International lenders: will cover the remaining 70%. The African Development Bank is leading these efforts, having announced its commitment to inject $500 million, while spearheading efforts to mobilize financing of up to $8.7 billion.

– Global interest: “Tesfaye” noted a strong desire and interest from lenders in the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States to contribute to the financing.

According to the schedule, the main contractors are scheduled to begin superstructure construction work for the airport in August 2026.