Ethiopian Airlines Awards Design Consultancy for Africa’s Largest Airport to Dar and Zaha Hadid Architects
Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken a significant step toward establishing Africa’s largest airport by awarding a design consultancy contract to a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). This ambitious project, located in Abusera, is a cornerstone of Ethiopian Airlines' 15-year strategic plan to become a leading global aviation group.
The new airport in Abusera is set to revolutionize the continent’s aviation industry, with its location chosen to support future growth and meet the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) forecasted 200% increase in air travel demand over the next decade. Unlike Bole International Airport, which faces expansion limitations, the Abusera site offers ample space for growth. Its lower altitude will also enhance aircraft take-off performance, and an express rail link to Addis Ababa will ensure seamless connectivity.
In its initial phase, scheduled for completion in 2029, the airport will have a capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually, nearly three times the capacity of Africa’s current busiest airport. Once fully operational, the airport will serve 110 million passengers annually, four times the capacity of Bole International Airport, creating thousands of jobs and supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding operations.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed optimism about the project, stating, "With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation."
The consortium awarded the contract includes industry leaders such as TY Lin, Landrum & Brown, and Pascall+Watson Architects, in addition to Dar and ZHA. This team will provide comprehensive services covering technical advisory, engineering, project management, and construction supervision for the 600,000 square meters of passenger facilities, 126,000 square meters of airline support facilities, two Code 4E parallel runways, and associated airfield infrastructure.
The project marks a significant milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and the African aviation industry, promising to position Ethiopia as a key player on the global aviation stage.
