Infrastructure

Zaha Hadid Architects Unveils Bishoftu Airport Design

Phase one of the airport, run by Ethiopian Airlines, will open in 2030.

Updated on

February 2, 2026

Artist impression of the proposed Bishoftu International Airport — An artist’s impression of the proposed Bishoftu International Airport. (Photo: X-Universe)

Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the design of Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport design as construction begins on what is being described as Africa’s largest aviation project.

The UK-based practice is working on Bishoftu International Airport, which is being built near the city of Bishoftu, around 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa.

The first phase of the airport, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, is set to open in 2030 and will feature a 660,000 square-metre terminal with two runways, handling 60 million passengers.

Once fully complete, Bishoftu Airport will handle 110 million passengers a year and have four runways for 270 aircraft.

Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata, director of aviation at Zaha Hadid Architects, said the scheme had significance beyond Ethiopia. “Bishoftu International Airport is a visionary project for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole,” he said.

“Airports bring people together and bridge national divides. Zaha Hadid Architects is honoured to be part of its development – connecting every region of the continent as Africa’s global gateway.”

Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed Ali said the airport would far exceed the capacity of the country’s current main hub.

“Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history, more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport, which will reach its limits on existing traffic in the next two to three years,” he said.

The terminal has been planned around a central circulation route inspired by the Great Rift Valley. According to the architects, this layout is intended to reduce transfer distances and support high volumes of connecting passengers, with most travellers expected to remain within the airport.

Each pier will feature a distinct architectural character and colour scheme, drawing on Ethiopia’s regional diversity. The structure will use a modular system built from concrete and steel produced locally in Bishoftu.

The terminal is designed to achieve LEED Gold, with solar panels, natural ventilation and rainwater directed into new wetlands, Zaha Hadid Architects said.

Founded in 1979, the London-based practice has designed airports in Australia and China and is currently developing terminals in Europe and Africa. Bishoftu International Airport is set to become one of its largest transport projects to date.