Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) has announced the official commencement of construction on the country’s new USD12.5 billion Bishoftu International hub following a January 10 groundbreaking ceremony attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The airline unveiled the four-runway-airport’s design and confirmed the completion of community resettlement efforts. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said that the project, located 45km southeast of Addis Ababa, will address the infrastructure gap in Africa and benefit the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Phase one, due by 2030, will see it handling 60 million passengers annually, rising to 110 million on completion.