Ethiopian Airlines moves Bishoftu airport contractor selection to January 2027

Ethiopian Airlines has postponed the selection of contractors for its planned Bishoftu International Airport from August 2026 to early January 2027, saying prospective bidders requested more time to prepare proposals, negotiate with lenders and engage subcontractors.

Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew disclosed the revised timetable during the airline’s annual performance briefing on July 30, 2026. He said the change was not expected to alter the project’s overall implementation schedule.

The airline says the project requires more than $9 billion in external financing. Mesfin said potential financing interest totals about $8.5 billion, but no loan agreements have been signed because lenders are still conducting assessments. The African Development Bank has indicated it could provide $500 million, subject to appraisal, and is coordinating a broader financing effort.

The planned airport, about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, broke ground in January 2026. Its first phase is designed for about 60 million passengers a year, with eventual capacity projected at roughly 110 million passengers across four runways. Completion is targeted for 2030.

Mesfin said Ethiopian Investment Holdings is preparing a special-purpose company to oversee the project. He also identified potential interest from US, European, Middle Eastern and Chinese financial institutions, while stressing that financing remains under evaluation.