Ethiopia's New Airport to Outpace Kenya as JKIA Expansion Stalls

Ethiopia has commenced construction of a new international airport, a multi-billion-dollar project expected to rival the region’s top aviation hubs.

The development threatens to surpass Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has long been East Africa’s primary gateway but has struggled with stalled expansion efforts.

The new airport, located in Bishoftu, about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, is designed to accommodate over 60 million passengers annually.

It is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to strengthen its aviation industry and solidify its national carrier’s dominance on the continent.

Kenya, meanwhile, has faced repeated setbacks in efforts to modernise and expand JKIA.

A recent attempt to lease the airport to a private investor for redevelopment was met with strong resistance from stakeholders, leading to a prolonged legal battle.

The plan, which involved significant upgrades, was eventually shelved amid concerns over transparency and financial feasibility.

This was not the first failed expansion effort. A previous plan to construct a second terminal at JKIA, known as the Greenfield Terminal Project, was scrapped in 2016 due to funding challenges and procurement disputes.

These delays have slowed Kenya’s ambitions to maintain its position as the region’s leading air transport hub.

While Kenya struggles, its neighbors are advancing major aviation projects.

Rwanda, in partnership with international investors, is constructing Bugesera International Airport, a facility set to enhance the country’s connectivity and position it as a key regional player.

The developments in Ethiopia and Rwanda highlight a growing push by regional countries to modernise their airports and attract more air traffic.

As these projects moves forward, Kenya risks falling behind unless it resolves the issues that have stalled its airport expansion plans.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org