· The Reporter · Sara Solomon
Bishoftu Airport Bid Selection Delayed as Ethiopian Airlines Awaits USD 9bln Financing
Summary of the The Reporter report
Ethiopian Airlines moves the choice of contractors for Bishoftu International Airport from August 2026 to early January 2027. The airline needs more than USD 9 billion from lenders. Interest stands at USD 8.5 billion, but no loan is signed, and lenders are expected to finish their assessments by March 2027. The airline says the 2030 completion date stays.
Key points
- Ethiopian Airlines postponed contractor selection for Bishoftu International Airport from August 2026 to early January 2027.
- Lenders have shown interest worth USD 8.5 billion, but no loan agreement is signed.
- The African Development Bank has pledged USD 500 million, subject to its appraisal procedures.
- Phase one is planned for about 60 million passengers a year, with completion expected in 2030.
Real.et analysis
The Reporter reports that Ethiopian Airlines moves the selection of contractors for Bishoftu International Airport from August 2026 to early January 2027. Bidders asked for more time to prepare offers and arrange finance. The airline needs more than USD 9 billion from outside lenders. Lenders have shown interest worth USD 8.5 billion, but no loan agreement is signed. They are expected to finish their assessments by March 2027. The African Development Bank coordinates the financing and has pledged USD 500 million, subject to its own appraisal. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew says the delay does not change the overall schedule. The airport is about 45 km south-east of Addis Ababa. Work started in January 2026 and completion is planned for 2030.
What this means for residents
The airport is the largest project near the city. Phase one is planned for about 60 million passengers a year. The final design is for about 110 million passengers and four runways. It is meant to take pressure off Bole International Airport.
For now, Bole stays the only international airport for Addis Ababa. The Reporter says work on the Bole apron continues. Work on the main runway starts again in October 2026 after the rainy season. When it is complete, aircraft can land in very low visibility. That could reduce diversions on foggy mornings.
What this means for people who look at Bishoftu
Some buyers look at land and homes near Bishoftu because of the airport. The story is a reminder of the present status. Earthworks have started. The main contractors are not selected. The loans are not signed. A date of 2030 depends on both.
Points to check before you decide on a location because of the airport:
- The date when lenders sign, which is expected after March 2027.
- The date when the main contracts are awarded.
- The plans for road and rail links to Addis Ababa.
Our guide to the best neighbourhoods in Addis Ababa covers the areas on the south-east side of the city. Bishoftu is also a weekend place for many residents. See resorts near Addis Ababa.
Background
The airline has a target of 23 million passengers and USD 10 billion in revenue for the fiscal year.