The contract will see the two firms – Dar Al-Handasah is also a partner of the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects – embark on the design and supervision of a Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu City, central Ethiopia.
This state-of-the-art airport city, located just 40km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is expected to revolutionise air travel in Ethiopia. Upon completion, the new airport will be able to serve 110 million passengers each year, four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew announced the Mega Airport City project, highlighting its role in establishing Ethiopia as a global aviation hub. He said: “The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritise environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond, reflecting the airline's commitment to innovation and sustainability. With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant advancement for the region's air travel infrastructure”.
In its first phase, scheduled to be completed in 2029, the airport city is set to position Ethiopia as the leading global gateway to Africa, with a 60 million-passenger, almost three times the number of passengers registered in Africa’s busiest airport in 2022, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport; ultimately, the new airport’s capacity will serve 110 million passengers a year, quadrupling the capacity of Bole International Airport.
The Mega Airport City will feature a 1.1 million metre squared terminal, including passenger facilities, 126,190m2 of airline support facilities, and over 100,000m2 of cargo and airport support facilities. It will also include an associated airfield and other essential airport infrastructure.
The new airport is positioned at a lower elevation than the current primary hub, Addis Ababa, which is situated at one of the world's most elevated locations, presenting unique operational challenges for aircraft. The architectural team will incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage in the design of the new airport.
