This was disclosed by CEO Mesfin Tasew at the airline's annual performance briefing in Addis Ababa, according to the Ethiopian newspaper The Reporter. Bishoftu, to be located about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, is intended to relieve congestion at Addis Ababa International and support Ethiopian Airlines' long-term expansion plans. The first phase is expected to handle about 60 million passengers annually when completed by 2030, with ultimate capacity projected at 110 million passengers across four runways. Ethiopian Airlines is funding 20-30% of the cost, with the rest to be financed by international lenders. Separately, the airline said it is continuing upgrades at existing Addis Ababa International, including apron rehabilitation and runway improvements that will allow Category III operations in low-visibility conditions.