Ethiopian Airlines has officially commenced construction of its ambitious $12.5 billion airport in Bishoftu, a project poised to become the largest and most advanced aviation hub in Africa once completed in 2030.

Located about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the new facility is set to dramatically expand Ethiopia’s aviation capacity and strengthen the country’s position as a leading global air transport center.

Planned to complement and eventually relieve Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), which is expected to reach full capacity within the next few years, the Bishoftu International Airport marks a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s long-term infrastructure and aviation strategy.

A Transformational Project for the Continent

Government and airline officials describe the Bishoftu development as a generational milestone for both Ethiopian Airlines and the broader African aviation sector. The airport will feature four parallel runways, large-scale cargo terminals, and parking bays capable of serving up to 270 aircraft simultaneously.

Once fully operational, the facility is projected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually—more than quadrupling the current throughput of Bole International Airport. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali hailed the project as the largest aviation infrastructure investment in Africa’s history, underscoring its strategic importance for national growth and regional connectivity.

Funding and Construction Progress

Initially budgeted at $10 billion, the project’s expanded design and capacity have raised total investment to $12.5 billion. According to Abraham Tesfaye, Ethiopian Airlines’ Director of Infrastructure Development and Planning, the airline will finance roughly 30 percent of the cost, with the remainder secured through international lenders.

The African Development Bank has already committed $500 million and is coordinating efforts to raise an additional $8.7 billion from global financiers. Institutions and investors from the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States have expressed strong interest—reflecting confidence in Ethiopian Airlines’ solid financial performance and long-term outlook.

Early earthworks have already begun, supported by an initial $610 million allocation. This phase is due for completion within a year, after which major construction activities are set to begin in August 2026.

Driving Economic Growth and Connectivity

Bishoftu International Airport is expected to play a central role in Ethiopia’s wider economic agenda by boosting tourism, expanding air cargo operations, and generating significant employment opportunities. Ethiopian Airlines continues to build momentum, having launched six new international routes during the 2024–2025 period while maintaining steady revenue growth.

By managing the airport’s design in-house, the airline aims to ensure that the facility aligns seamlessly with its operational requirements, maintenance programs, and global hub management processes. The project will further cement Ethiopian Airlines’ status as Africa’s leading carrier and enhance its role in connecting the continent with major markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

A New Era for African Aviation

The launch of construction at Bishoftu marks a defining chapter in Africa’s aviation evolution. With four runways, capacity for 110 million passengers annually, and completion targeted for 2030, the Bishoftu International Airport underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to building the continent’s largest and most capable global aviation hub.

Al Alamein International Airport has recorded strong growth in passenger activity this year, with traveller numbers rising by 57% compared with the same period in 2025, as Egypt advances preparations for the second edition of the Egypt International Air Show (EIAS 2026) scheduled for September.

According to Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), the increase highlights the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its civil aviation sector through infrastructure upgrades and expanded airport capacity aimed at meeting growing tourism, business and investment demand.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuing development projects at Al Alamein International Airport as part of a broader strategy to establish New Alamein City as a major hub for tourism, commerce and international events. The airport is being enhanced to manage higher passenger volumes and support the successful hosting of the upcoming aviation and aerospace exhibition.

EIAS 2026 is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force and the Egyptian Space Agency.

The IDSC said the event is expected to further elevate Egypt’s profile within the global aviation and aerospace sectors while encouraging investment, fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating the exchange of advanced technologies.

Official data showed that passenger traffic at Al Alamein International Airport reached 266,600 travellers in 2026, compared with 169,500 during the corresponding period of 2025. Aircraft movements also increased significantly, rising by approximately 26% to 3,190 flights from 2,540 flights a year earlier.

The airport currently hosts operations from 15 airlines, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Air Cairo and Saudia. Its international network has expanded further during the 2026 summer season with the arrival of new carriers such as Romania’s TAROM, Poland’s Enter Air, Bulgaria’s BH Air and Gulf Air.

Authorities expect the number of airlines serving the airport to grow to 26 by the end of the summer season, reflecting rising international interest in Egypt’s North Coast and the growing importance of New Alamein as a destination for tourism, investment and major global events.

Source: Daily News Egypt

Abha International Airport has reached a new operational benchmark after processing more than 130 flights in a single day, setting a record for the highest daily traffic volume in the airport’s history.

The milestone was achieved on July 5, when the airport, managed by Cluster2 Airports, handled a total of 132 flights. The day's operations included 117 domestic services and 15 international flights.

According to Cluster2 Airports, the increase reflects strong travel demand during the summer season, supported by efficient airport operations and a rise in visitor arrivals. The operator noted that the Asir region’s seasonal events, scenic landscapes and cultural attractions have contributed significantly to growing passenger numbers.

The airport operator said the achievement aligns with the goals of the Aviation Programme under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The initiative is focused on increasing airport capacity, improving passenger experience and raising operational efficiency across the Kingdom’s aviation network.

The latest record highlights the continued growth of air travel in southern Saudi Arabia as authorities work to strengthen the country's aviation infrastructure and tourism sector.

Source: TradeArabia

Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South has announced a major expansion by UUDS AERO, which has grown its operational footprint within the aviation hub to more than 180,000 square metres since launching its first facility there in 2022.

The expansion highlights the company's growing role in meeting regional and international demand for aircraft cabin completion, modification, certification, manufacturing and maintenance services. It also reinforces MBRAH’s appeal as a strategic base for aerospace companies seeking to expand within an integrated aviation ecosystem.

Since establishing operations at MBRAH, UUDS AERO has developed four facilities within the Aerospace Supply Chain zone. A fifth airside facility is currently under construction as part of the company’s ongoing growth strategy.

The company is also advancing plans to develop two additional Code F plots, which will support wide-body aircraft cabin completion and retrofit programmes. These developments will also pave the way for the region’s first Cabin Excellence Centre within the Airline Manufacturing and Supply Chain Zone.

The latest expansion reflects the continued growth of aerospace activity across MBRAH, supported by advanced infrastructure, strong connectivity, regulatory advantages and access to a broad network of aviation manufacturers, suppliers, maintenance providers and industry stakeholders.

Tahnoon Saif, Chief Executive Officer of MBRAH, said UUDS AERO’s rapid growth demonstrates the strength of the aerospace ecosystem being developed at Dubai South. He noted that MBRAH remains committed to supporting Dubai’s ambition of becoming a global aviation centre by providing businesses with the infrastructure and connectivity needed to expand and serve international markets.

Gilles Negre, Founder and Chairman of UUDS AERO, said the company’s expansion reflects its confidence in Dubai’s aviation industry and the opportunities available through its strategic location. He added that Dubai South has enabled UUDS AERO to strengthen its capabilities, broaden its customer base and enhance collaboration with aviation stakeholders worldwide.

Source: ZAWYA

Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Airways have launched the Fast Pass biometric service, introducing facial recognition technology to streamline the passenger departure experience and reduce reliance on physical travel documents.

Developed in partnership with technology provider SITA, the system enables travellers to pass through key airport checkpoints using facial recognition instead of repeatedly presenting boarding passes or identification documents.

The rollout is among the largest biometric passenger initiatives in the Middle East and one of the most extensive globally, integrating more than 700 biometric touchpoints into a unified travel journey while incorporating security and data protection measures throughout the process.

Passengers can enrol in the Fast Pass programme through self-service check-in kiosks at Hamad International Airport or via the Qatar Airways mobile app. Once registered, they can access dedicated biometric lanes at check-in, baggage drop, security screening and boarding gates, using their face as their boarding credential.

The facial recognition process takes only a few seconds, helping to reduce waiting times and minimise document checks, particularly during peak travel periods. The service is voluntary, with conventional processing remaining available and airport staff on hand to assist passengers.

The introduction of Fast Pass comes as demand for biometric travel solutions continues to grow. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a majority of travellers now favour biometric identification over traditional paper documents.

As part of Hamad International Airport's wider Innovation Roadmap, the new system supports the airport's transition towards more efficient and digital passenger processing. Airport officials said the Fast Pass platform will be expanded to additional touchpoints over time, with plans to make the technology available to other airlines operating from HIA in the future.

Source: ZAWYA