This $12.5B Cross-Shaped Airport Will Become Africa's Largest by 2030 - Yanko Design
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This $12.5B Cross-Shaped Airport Will Become Africa's Largest by 2030 - Yanko Design
"Ethiopia has embarked on a transformative journey with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion megaproject designed by Zaha Hadid Architects that will redefine the continent's aviation landscape. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali laid the cornerstone on January 10, 2026, marking the official start of what officials describe as the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history. Located 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the airport will eventually boast a capacity four times greater than Ethiopia's current"
"The architectural design draws profound inspiration from Ethiopia's geological wonder, the Great Rift Valley, which passes near Bishoftu as it traverses through the country. A single central spine organizes the terminal's facilities and aircraft piers, creating an intuitive flow that minimizes transfer distances for the estimated 80 percent of passengers who will transit through without leaving the airport. The terminal features a distinctive cross-shaped form spanning 660,000 square meters, with each pier showcasing unique interior materials"
Ethiopia began construction of Bishoftu International Airport on January 10, 2026, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali laying the cornerstone. The $12.5 billion airport, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will sit 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and aim to quadruple current national passenger capacity. Phase One targets a 2030 opening with two Code 4E parallel runways and a terminal for 60 million passengers annually, with subsequent phases to increase capacity further. The terminal's cross-shaped layout and single central spine reduce transfer distances, and each pier's materials and palettes reference Ethiopia's landscapes and the Great Rift Valley.
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