The expansion more than doubles the size of the terminal to about 25,750 square metres and adds new boarding gates, check-in counters and automated baggage systems to speed up passenger processing. The airline said the upgrade will ease congestion and improve travel experience across its domestic network.
The move comes as demand for air travel rises in Ethiopia, driven by economic activity, business travel and a rebound in tourism. The country recorded a 15 per cent increase in international arrivals in 2025, while domestic travel is also growing as more people move between regional cities.
Ethiopian Airlines operates more than 200 domestic flights daily, linking Addis Ababa with over 20 destinations including Mekelle, Bahir Dar and Dire Dawa. Air travel plays a critical role in the country, where long distances and mountainous terrain make road journeys slow and difficult.
The upgrade also strengthens Addis Ababa’s position as one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs. The airport serves as a major gateway connecting the continent to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, and improved domestic connections are expected to make transit smoother for international passengers.
The project is part of a wider expansion strategy by the airline and the Ethiopian government. Ethiopian Airlines recently announced plans to open three new domestic airports, which will increase its network to 26 destinations.
Authorities are also building a new airport near Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres from the capital, which is expected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually when completed, potentially making it the largest in Africa.
The investments are tied to the airline’s long-term Vision 2040 plan, which aims to grow revenue to $29 billion and significantly expand its fleet and global route network.
As competition intensifies among African aviation hubs, Ethiopian Airlines is betting that continued investment in infrastructure will help it maintain its lead and capture a larger share of growing passenger traffic across the continent and beyond.
