An airport’s primary function is to be functional and efficient, but many of them are also impressive feats of stylish architecture. Gelephu International Airport in Bhutan was recently crowned winner of Future Project of the Year by the World Architecture Festival, but now, plans for an even more impressive undertaking have been unveiled in Africa.
Zaha Hadid Architects, an esteemed British design firm founded by the late eponymous architect, has begun building work on Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia. Once it’s complete, it will be the largest air hub in Africa. The site is 40 km south of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and it will eventually have a capacity quadruple the size of the country’s current main airport.
Recommended: The 24 most beautiful buildings in the world.
So, what’s the plan? Well, as is typical of large infrastructure projects, the construction will be organised in phases. The first of these is earmarked for completion in 2030 where a 660,000 square-metre terminal and two runways, operated by Ethiopian Airlines and equipped to welcome 60 million passengers, will open.
However, the plan for the whole site is much larger: four runways and parking for a whopping 270 aircraft will be built around a central spine, which is modelled on the Great Rift Valley. Each pier will feature colour palettes and artworks which are inspired by Ethiopia’s diverse environment, and the concrete and steel used will be locally manufactured. Scroll on for some images of how it will look.
The firm has said that the building will achieve LEED Gold accreditation, thanks to the use of natural ventilation, a network of solar panels that will help power the airport, and stormwater channels that will direct run-off to brand-new nearby wetlands.
The spine-like design is in place not only to optimise air flow but also minimise the distance passengers will cover when transferring. In fact, Dezeen reports that 80 percent of travellers are forecasted to complete their transfer without leaving the airport, and once the entire hub is up and running, capacity is expected to be a staggering 110 million people.
An airside hotel, restaurants and outside areas full of native plants are also on the blueprint, as is a high-speed railway connecting Bishoftu International Airport with Bole Airport.
✈️ Check out the most exciting new flight routes launching in 2026.
ICYMI: This famous French landmark is crowd-funding for a huge €68 million renovation.
Plus: Locals in this European town are campaigning to revoke its UNESCO status – here’s why.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
