Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
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Bishoftu International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading airline, is building the continent’s largest airport near Bishoftu, about 40 km south of Addis Ababa. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the initial phase of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will serve 60 million passengers per year, with future phases aimed at handling up to 110 million passengers annually, featuring four runways and parking for 270 aircraft.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Bishoftu International Airport will serve Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to meet the airline’s future passenger demand and operational needs, BIA will become Africa’s global aviation hub, providing facilities of the highest standard with a strong focus on transferring passengers.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
With up to 80% of passengers transiting between destinations without leaving the airport, BIA has been designed to accommodate these requirements—incorporating extensive amenities for transiting passengers including airside hotel with 350 guestrooms, a wide variety of dining and entertainment facilities, as well as outdoor gardens and courtyards for relaxation.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Situated within the temperate subtropical highland climate of Ethiopia’s Oromia region, BIA’s passenger terminal is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The terminal will be naturally ventilated with effective solar shading and will include semi-enclosed spaces and outdoor areas for transferring passengers to enjoy the region’s warm summers and mild winters.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Each of the terminal’s piers incorporates a unique interior materiality and colour palette to reflect the diverse regions of Ethiopia. Inspired by the Great Rift Valley that passes near Bishoftu as it crosses through the country, a single central spine connects the terminal’s facilities and aircraft piers—minimising transfer distances and ensuring connecting passengers can easily navigate to their next departure gate.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Landscaped with native drought-resistant planting including resettled trees, BIA’s design integrates landside public parks for local residents and airside gardens for passengers.
Stormwater from the airport’s runways, taxiways and aprons—as well as the roofs of the passenger terminal and cargo buildings—will be channelled into new wetlands and bioswales for storage and reuse while also enhancing the airport’s local biodiversity. Photovoltaic arrays installed throughout BIA will enable on-site energy production.
Zaha Hadid Architects Bishoftu International Airport
Credit Render by X-Universe
Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata, Zaha Hadid Architects’ Director of Aviation, said: “Bishoftu International Airport is a visionary project for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. Airports bring people together and bridge national divides. ZHA is honoured to be part its development—connecting every region of the continent as Africa’s global gateway”
