The first of two expansion phases for Addis Ababa International Airport is scheduled for completion in June, with the opening of a new VIP terminal.

Abel Alemu, regional manager Southern Africa of Ethiopian Airlines, confirmed that the entire expansion project was set for completion at the end of this year, and would be fully operational from 2019. Once completed the airport’s annual capacity will be increased to 22 million passengers.

There are also plans to construct a new airport hub for Ethiopian Airlines outside Addis Ababa that will function as an integrated transport centre with links to surface transport. “The new airport will form part of a greater airport city that will include a commercial centre with shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment centres, as well as residential real estate, schools and hospitals, all of which will have connections to the airport itself,” Alemu said.

The location of the new airport has yet to be decided, and will be disclosed once a final decision has been made.