Ethiopian Airlines Announces Construction of Abusera Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects

Ethiopian Airlines Group has launched a new project to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera, south of Addis Ababa, to support the airline’s rapid expansion. The project, designed by a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Pascall+Watson, will serve as a hub connecting Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the fastest growing regions in global air travel.

The initial phase of the new airport, which will require an investment of $6 billion, is expected to accommodate 60 million passengers per year by its completion in 2029. Future expansions will increase this capacity to 110 million passengers per year, positioning the airport as a key player in meeting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts.

The design of the new Abusera Airport, led by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, is envisioned as a blend of modern technology and Ethiopian cultural heritage. It will feature world-class passenger facilities, including 600,000 square metres of terminal space, 126,000 square metres of airline support areas, two parallel runways and extensive cargo and airport support infrastructure. The architecture aims to be deeply influenced by the region’s natural landscapes, with organic forms and structures that echo the surrounding environment. This approach ensures that the airport not only presents itself as a beacon of modernity, but also resonates with the local context, creating a unique sense of place.

A key aspect of the design proposal is sustainability. The terminal seeks to incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable building practices, including the use of natural ventilation, renewable energy sources and water conservation systems. The design prioritizes energy efficiency, with on-site renewable energy generation and innovative air conditioning systems that reduce the airport’s environmental footprint.

The new Abusera Airport will be a global gateway to Africa and will place Ethiopia at the very heart of the continent’s transportation networks, connecting communities around the world to the most integrated air transport system. —ZHA Aviation Director Cristiano Ceccato

Finally, the design proposal prioritises the passenger experience, with a layout that aims to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The terminal will be spacious and bright, providing a fluidity of movement for passengers. ZHA’s design ethos emphasises creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, with architectural elements that enhance the travel experience.

In a similar vein, the city of Chicago has just unveiled the design for the first phase of the transformation of O’Hare International Airport, designed by Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill (SOM). In addition, MAD Architects has just unveiled the design for Lishui Airport in China. Nicknamed the “Forest City”, Lishui is known for its green landscapes and valleys in the Zhejiang province, in the southwest of the country. Finally, Abu Dhabi International Airport was recently designed and built by KPF, which can accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year, doubling the airport’s capacity.