Ethiopia has announced plans to commence the building of the largest airport in Africa within six months. The airport which will cost $5 billion will ensure that the country’s national carrier remains the leading carrier and the most profitable on the continent.
Situated 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) from the existing Bole International Airport in the capital Addis Ababa, the new airport will be able to handle as many as 100 million passengers yearly, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Tewolde GebreMariam told the state news agency.
This feat will see Eithopia take her place in the global league with a capacity greater than London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, and Dubai International, currently the world’s No. 1 for international flights.
According to reports, between 2018 and 2019, Ethiopian Airlines reported a 25% increase in profits to $260 million as it carried more passengers and cargo. Revenue of almost $4 billion, 18% higher than previously, could continue to climb as the airline nears its goal of 22 million passengers by 2025.
GebreMariam told the Ethiopian News Agency that while Bole airport has just been expanded with additional capacity, it will be overwhelmed in three to four years if the airline grows as projected.
The plans form part of Ethiopia’s expansion strategy in its aviation industry, which has also seen it either sign up joint ventures or start subsidiaries in other African countries including Malawi, Chad, Zambia and Mozambique.
The carrier has also commenced negotiations to start airlines in Ghana and Nigeria.
