Simple Flying
Nick Pisters
26 August 2026
Africa remains one of the most challenging aviation markets in the world. While the continent is the second largest in the world in both overall size and population, Africa accounts for only around 2% of commercial air traffic, per Business Insider. According to IATA, Africa's aviation market is forecast to grow 4.1% annually to 411 million passengers a year over the next two decades.
Many African countries continue to announce ambitious and prestigious infrastructure projects, but few of these actually come to fruition.
One such project that is now actually taking shape is Ethiopia's Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), partly funded by the continent's largest and most successful carrier, Ethiopian Airlines.
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport commenced in January 2026, with phase one of the project expected to be complete by 2030. Ethiopian Airlines is funding 30% of the $12.5 billion needed to complete this first phase. By 2030, the airport is planned to have an initial annual capacity of 60 million passengers and 110 million passengers when fully completed...
How This New Mega Airport Will Change An Entire Continent - Simple Flying - 26 August 2026
