Kenya's bid to construct one of Africa's largest aviation centres in Africa has been outpaced after Ethiopia launched the construction of a multi-billion-dollar airport.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on Saturday, January 10, laid the cornerstone for the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, the largest aviation centre in Africa.
Abby said the new mega airport would be developed alongside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing its expanded annual handling capacity of 25 million passengers.
He noted that once completed, the new airport's first phase alone will handle up to 60 million passengers per year, with an ultimate master plan capacity of 110 million passengers annually.
"Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history. It aligns with Ethiopia’s national economic reforms, industrialisation agenda, and long-term aviation strategy," said Abby.
According to the Prime Minister, the project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness, enhance Africa’s connectivity, and position Ethiopia as a premier intercontinental hub.
Ethiopia's latest move could set a trend for many African nations, including Kenya, which are currently struggling with underdeveloped airport infrastructure.
While Kenya had initially announced plans to invest in aviation infrastructure, Ethiopia's launch of its new airport shows the neighbouring country's determination to boost its infrastructure.
Just like Ethiopia’s Bishoftu project, a new Kenyan airport could boost the country's air transport system, improve passenger handling capacity, and support more flights.
It would also help in decongesting the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has in recent years faced immense challenges due to its old infrastructure.
Govt on Construction of New Airport
In December last year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government would begin construction of a new modern airport within the next two months.
Kindiki said the current JKIA facility was outdated and no longer aligned with the country's long-term air traffic projections. "We are building a new airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; the one we have is old," Kindiki stated.
"We aim to increase the number of people passing through JKIA from 88 million currently to 100 million so that we can match the capacity of airports like Dubai International Airport," he added.
