The Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG) expects to identify a principal contractor for its long-awaited Bishoftu International Airport between June and July this year, even as the 12.5 billion dollar project moves forward under a deliberately multi-firm construction approach involving four or five contractors.

According to Lemma Yadecha, the Group’s chief commercial officer, the final design phase is scheduled for completion by February 2026, with the formal process of short-listing a lead contractor to begin in March, followed by the issuance of public tenders.

“The company that is going to do the construction won't be one, for quality purposes,” Lemma told Fortune, signalling a clear departure from a single-contractor delivery model.

While domestic construction firms are being encouraged to participate, he acknowledged that capacity limitations and execution risks remain decisive constraints.

“We would want local companies to work on time,” he said. “Performance constraints continue to weigh on the selection process.”

Despite the absence of a principal contractor, preparatory construction works have already begun at the Bishoftu site, about 40Km southeast of Addis Abeba. The project formally entered its construction phase two weeks ago with a marking ceremony and the launch of initial groundwork, including site clearing and enabling works. These early activities are being undertaken by China Communications Construction Company, Beijing Urban Construction Group, and Allied Infrastructure Group, a consortium of contractors.

The Airport is being developed through a multi-lot framework, with construction divided into three main packages covering fencing, runways, and major structural works. The first operational phase is designed to handle up to 60 million passengers annually, with subsequent expansions expected to raise capacity to 110 million passengers, supported by four runways and parking facilities for up to 270 aircraft.

The planning and architectural foundations were laid in 2024, when Ethiopian Airlines contracted Dar Al-Handasah, also known as Sidara, as lead consultant and airport planner. Sidara is coordinating a network of specialised international firms, including BNP Associates, overseeing baggage handling systems; Spectrum, managing architectural lighting; Pascall + Watson, designing executive interiors; Portland Design, handling retail planning and analytics; Landrum & Brown, leading airfield and apron planning; and SPADA Ltd, overseeing airfield city planning.

Zaha Hadid Architects is serving as terminal planner and design architect, working through Sidara, with project leadership from Cristiano Ceccato de Sabata.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) disclosed during the launch of the project that a new highway will feature six lanes, twice the width of the Adama Expressway, and incorporate green design elements. A 38Km railway, to be built by a domestic firm, will operate at speeds of at least 120Km an hour.

“We aren't only building projects," he said. "We're also building construction companies. We'll have a high share from highway construction.”

Signals of rail expansion appeared earlier when the Ethio-Djibouti Railway announced plans to construct 1.7Km of main track and 800 metres of side rail. This work, due to finish within six months, was revealed in October 2025, at the launch of railway construction for AMG Holdings. The 2.5Km line will connect Sheger Industrial Park to the Ethio-Djibouti Railway’s Endode Station.