Chinese companies lead competition to build Bishoftu airport — Daily Maverick
In Ethiopia, Chinese companies and consortia hold 15 of the 33 positions on the shortlist of bidders to build the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. At the same time, the United States is promoting the participation of its aviation companies and technology suppliers in the new Ethiopian Airlines hub project, Daily Maverick reports.
The airport, with four runways, is being built about 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Work began in January, and Ethiopian Airlines allocated $610 million for earthworks. The complex is scheduled to open in 2030: at the first stage, it will be able to serve 60 million passengers annually, and after all stages are completed, up to 110 million. Space for 270 aircraft is also planned.
Competition for contracts
The shortlist covers four main work packages: the main terminal, auxiliary facilities, airfield and engineering infrastructure, as well as transport connections outside the airport territory. Chinese bidders include China Communications Construction Company, China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, and Beijing Urban Construction Group.
The US presence in the construction competition is smaller: Lane Construction, owned by Italy's Webuild, is participating through joint ventures. Ethiopian Airlines postponed the selection of main contractors until early January 2027 after participants requested more time to prepare proposals and arrange financing.
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Seeking financing
Ethiopian Airlines plans to finance 30% of the project's cost from its own funds. Under this structure, about $8.75 billion is to come from external sources. The African Development Bank was appointed mandated lead arranger for financing: it is working to raise up to $8 billion in debt and is considering its own contribution of up to $500 million, subject to approval.
Ethiopia has also discussed potential financing with China Exim Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Development Bank, and Bank of China. On September 9, Ethiopia's Finance Minister Ahmed Shide and Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew met in Addis Ababa with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi. Among other things, the parties discussed the bank's possible participation in the airport project, but no financial commitment was announced.
The new airport is intended to become Ethiopian Airlines' international hub, as Bole Airport in Addis Ababa is nearing the limits of its capacity. The airline reported a 20% increase in revenue, to approximately $9.1 billion in the 2025/26 financial year.
