Ethiopia has embarked on yet another mega project befitting its potential and ambition. Bischoff International Airport will be the largest air transport infrastructure in African history. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Znash Tayah together with senior government officials launched the construction of the airport in an official program at the site today. In his speech, the Prime Minister described Ethiopia's journey towards modernization and prosperity as one step. He also mentioned that Ethiopian Airlines is a source of pride for the country, but this is not because of traveling without challenges, but because of its ability to overcome obstacles full of perseverance and its role as a warrior in Africa. He emphasized that the biggest strength of the airline comes from its strong institutional culture. He revealed that this is built on the following: - Prioritizing safety and security - Creative and hard working leadership - More than 26,000 employees who believe in and respect the flag of the airline and what it represents - Relentless learning and capacity building efforts. It also makes Ethiopia a comfortable welcome for both destination and transit passengers. The project includes the construction of a modern road that will connect Addis Ababa with the new airport with a large number of vehicle lanes, and also includes the construction of a 38km high-speed railway and system with a speed of 120-200 kilometers per hour. In the first phase, Bischofs International Airport will be able to handle 60 million passengers per year, and it is planned to handle up to 110 million passengers per year when fully constructed. This makes Ethiopia one of the leading air transport centers in the world. Ethiopia once again embarks on a mega project befitting a nation of ambition and potential. Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, together with senior government officials, officially launched the construction of the airport during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site. In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the day as a milestone in Ethiopia's journey towards modernization and prosperity. He noted that Ethiopian Airlines is a source of national pride, not because it has been free of challenges, but because of its resilience, its ability to overcome obstacles, and its role as a trailblazer for Africa. He emphasized that the airline's greatest strength lies in its strong corporate culture, built on: • Giving priority to safety and security • Leadership driven by creativity and hard work • A workforce of over 26,000 employees who believe in the airline as their flag carrier and honor what it represents • A continuous commitment to learning and capacity building Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,910 meters, Bishoftu offers optimal conditions for aircraft performance and the efficient handling of both origin-destination and transit passengers. The project also includes the construction of a multi-lane modern highway linking the new airport with Addis Ababa, as well as a 38-kilometer high-speed railway with operating speeds of 120–200 km per hour. In its first phase, Bishoftu International Airport will have the capacity to serve 60 million passengers annually. Upon completion of its full master plan, the airport will be able to handle up to 110 million passengers per year, positioning Ethiopia among the world's leading aviation hubs. #FlyToEthiopia #VisitEthiopia #PMOEthiopia