Zaha Hadid Architects Break Ground on Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia

BIA plans to use locally produced and recycled materials, channel stormwater into new wetlands and bioswales for storage and reuse, and generate on-site energy through photovoltaic arrays. “Bishoftu International Airport is a visionary project for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. Airports bring people together and bridge national divides. ZHA is honored to be part of its development—connecting every region of the continent as Africa’s global gateway,” said Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata, director of aviation at Zaha Hadid Architects. Phase one of the airport's construction will serve 60 million passengers a year, with future phases planning to serve up to 110 million passengers annually. Once complete, BIA will have four runways and parking for 270 aircraft. Located nearly 1,300 feet lower than Addis Ababa’s existing Bole Airport, BIA’s positioning and runway lengths will optimize the maximum take-off weight, allowing aircrafts to use less fuel to carry more passengers and cargo. A high-speed rail line will connect the center of Addis Ababa and Bole Airport to BIA. The new airport and its integrated Airport City of mixed-use buildings will create new jobs for the surrounding population of 80,000 people. Phase one of the project is slated for completion in 2030.