Key Issues / Risks
Multi-billion-dollar financing still being finalized.
Contractor appointments remain outstanding.
Large-scale land acquisition and community resettlement.
Foreign exchange and financing risks.
Complex multi-package procurement.
Long construction programme extending to 2030.
Latest Development
Construction officially began in January 2026.
In July 2026, the United States announced it is actively seeking opportunities for American companies to participate in the project as part of broader infrastructure engagement in Africa.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines continues advancing financing discussions with international lenders while preparing the next contractor procurement stages.
What Happens Next
Expected milestones include:
Financial close with international lenders.
Award of major EPC and construction contracts.
Large-scale civil works.
Airport systems procurement.
Airport City development.
Operational commissioning targeted for 2030.
For The Project Herald, this project would rank as a Tier 1 Opportunity Signal due to its scale, long procurement pipeline, and cross-sector commercial opportunities likely to emerge throughout the remainder of the decade.
Commercial Opportunity
Expected opportunities include:
EPC construction contracts
Airside infrastructure works
Terminal construction
Runway construction
Taxiway systems
Airport lighting
Passenger boarding bridges
Baggage handling systems
Security and screening systems
Air traffic management systems
ICT infrastructure
Data centres
Smart airport technologies
Fire and rescue equipment
Power distribution
Water and wastewater infrastructure
Fuel storage and hydrant systems
Cargo terminal development
Cold chain logistics
Aircraft maintenance (MRO)
Hotels
Retail concessions
Commercial real estate
Airport city development
Landscaping
Road infrastructure
Parking facilities
Facility management
Cleaning services
Catering
Aviation training
Legal and financial advisory services
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