The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Ethiopian Airlines says Bishoftu International Airport, a planned new hub near Bishoftu, is expected to cost about $12.5 billion, handle up to 60 million passengers a year in its first phase and be completed by 2030. Construction officially commenced on 10 January 2026. Those figures are project targets, not guarantees that the airport will open on schedule or at the estimated cost.
Where will Ethiopian Airlines’ new airport be built?
The airport is planned for Abusera, near Bishoftu, roughly 40 kilometres from Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines describes it as a greenfield airport intended to relieve capacity pressure at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and strengthen Ethiopia’s aviation connections. The location and purpose are described in the airline’s November 25, 2025 announcement.
How much will Bishoftu International Airport cost?
Ethiopian Airlines’ current public estimate is approximately $12.5 billion for phase one. That is an estimate from the project sponsor, not a final audited cost or a statement that all funds have been secured.
The published figures have changed: a U.S. International Trade Administration brief dated August 5, 2025 put the project at $12.7 billion and targeted completion in 2029. Ethiopian Airlines’ later announcements, dated November 25, 2025 and January 10, 2026, use about $12.5 billion and a 2030 target. The sources do not explain the revisions, so the earlier figures should be understood as dated planning estimates rather than evidence of why the plan changed. See the U.S. International Trade Administration project brief and the airline’s November 2025 update and January 2026 construction announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- AIRPLANE TOY FOR KIDS – Playtime takes flight with the LEGO City Airport with Airplane (60502) building toy for kids ages 8 years old and up
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX – Includes everything kids need to build a toy airport terminal, sleek passenger airplane toy with fold-down stairs, jet bridge and airport tug
- PRETEND PLAY POSSIBILITIES – Kids can pass luggage through the toy scanner, rotate the walk-through metal detector to display an X-ray skeleton, change the departure display and help their plane push back from the gate
- 9 MINIFIGURES & ACCESSORIES – Playset includes 9 minifigures with fun LEGO accessories like 3 suitcases, 2 boarding tickets, marshaling wands, a sunflower lanyard, passport, newspaper, map and croissant
- GIFT FOR BOYS & GIRLS – Makes a great birthday gift or anytime treat for kids who love airplane toys, building toys and creative pretend play
When will the airport open?
Ethiopian Airlines expects phase one to be completed by 2030. The airline announced that construction officially commenced on January 10, 2026. Commencement is not the same as completion, and the sponsor’s target does not establish an opening date for passenger service.
How many passengers will the airport handle?
| Development stage | Annual passenger capacity | What the figure means |
|---|---|---|
| Phase one | Up to 60 million | Ethiopian Airlines’ stated first-phase capacity target, reiterated in its November 2025 and January 2026 announcements. |
| Full development | 110 million | The airline’s longer-term capacity target for the completed development, not phase-one capacity. |
The 110-million figure describes the airline’s full-build vision; it should not be confused with what the first phase is designed to handle. The U.S. trade brief published in August 2025 also described preliminary design elements, including a 1.1-million-square-metre terminal, cargo facilities and two runways in the first phase. Those are earlier planning details, not confirmed final specifications.
Rank #2
- Build a Complete Airport Scene：This airport building blocks set goes far beyond a single airplane model. It includes a large aircraft, terminal, control tower, and multiple ground vehicles, allowing you to create a complete and realistic airport environment. Instead of building just one piece, you can bring together different elements to form a busy airport scene that feels alive, making it more engaging to build, display, and interact with over time
- More Than a Simple Building Kit：This is not just a plane model, but a full airport playset designed for a more immersive experience. Create takeoff and landing scenes, manage passenger flow, and organize ground operations with different vehicles. The variety of components keeps the experience dynamic, so it does not feel repetitive and gives you more ways to enjoy the set long after the build is complete
- Designed for Aviation Enthusiasts：Created for those who enjoy airplanes, travel themes, and hands on building projects. Whether you are interested in aviation or simply enjoy assembling detailed models, this set offers a rewarding experience. It works well as a personal project, a shared activity, or even a display piece for anyone who appreciates creative builds and transportation themed designs
- STEM Inspired Creative Play：This building set encourages problem solving, spatial awareness, and imaginative thinking through hands on construction. As you assemble different parts and structures, you naturally develop focus and coordination while staying engaged in a creative process. It combines the fun of building with meaningful skill development, making the experience both enjoyable and worthwhile
- Great Gift That Stands Out：A thoughtful choice for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions when you want something more than a typical gift. With its detailed design and complete airport theme, this set offers both building satisfaction and long term play value. It is especially appealing to anyone interested in airplanes, vehicles, or creative building sets, making it a gift that feels unique and memorable
How is the airport being financed?
Ethiopian Airlines said in August 2025 that the African Development Bank (AfDB) had been appointed lead arranger, with a stated $500 million loan and a role in mobilizing additional financing. The airline’s November update said project materials were being circulated to prospective lenders. AfDB’s September 2025 project record describes an envisaged project-finance loan. These announcements show a financing effort, not that the entire funding package has closed or that AfDB is paying the full project cost. See the airline’s August 11, 2025 financing announcement and the AfDB project record.
Will Bishoftu replace Addis Ababa Bole airport?
Not according to Ethiopian Airlines’ stated operating plan. The airline says Bishoftu is intended to become its international passenger and cargo hub, while Bole would retain domestic operations. That is the sponsor’s announced plan; the available statements do not establish a final operating arrangement or a date when traffic would transfer.
Rank #3
- LARGE PASSENGER AIRPLANE TOY SET - This HOGOKIDS passenger airplane building blocks set includes a large passenger airplane, luggage trailer and mobile stairway, baggage conveyor belt loader, radar tower, well-designed airport terminal, and many fun stickers. This exclusive airport playset vividly restores the grand busy airport in real life. Kids can give full play to their imagination in several hours of building and gain an unforgettable flight experience!
- AMAZING PLANE MODEL WITH LED LIGHT - This unique boys building blocks set features with led light, which presents an enchanting lighting effect, a vivid recreation of the airport at night. This city airplane building toy set contains lots of details, removing the aircraft’s roof to access its detailed cockpit, seating, aisle, catering area and toilet. The front and rear cabin door of the airplane are open-able. Once the cabin door is fully open it is perfectly connected to the boarding stairs, baggage conveyor belt.
- ELABORATE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING KIT - This realistic airport terminal building set consists of three parts, the departure terminal and VIP lounge, the airport tower. The VIP lounge includes security machines, LED display, and boarding gate; the VIP lounge includes coffee and magazines, as well as a dining table; the airport tower includes an airport control console. In addition to the rich interior details, this plane building block set comes with a wealth of colourful stickers that your child will surely love!
- KIDS SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST - This large plane building set are made of high quality ABS material, non-toxic and odorless, sturdy enough. Vibrant colors and realistic looking amplify the fun of building up this city passenger airplane model. The process of building this STEM building toy for boys age 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 years old can stimulate their curiosity and creativity, improve their imagination and spatial thinking skills. With the guidance of the attached illustrated manual, boy can easily assemble a complete airplane.
- GIFTS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS - The large size of this well-packaged airplane model toy is 21.1 inches long, 6.7 inches high. If your families/friends are model aviation enthusiasts, then this aircraft building blocks kit will be the perfect choice as a holiday or birthday gift for them. This is not only a unique airplane plane aircraft model for collection, but beautiful desktop decoration. You can display it in the study, bedroom, living room or office.
What are the potential community and environmental impacts?
The project’s environmental and social impact assessment summary identifies potential displacement, livelihood, air-quality, noise, biodiversity and water impacts, along with a mitigation framework. Ethiopian Airlines said at the January 2026 construction announcement that resettlement and livelihood restoration had been completed. That is a project statement; it does not independently establish that every impact has been resolved. The airline’s environmental and social impact assessment summary sets out the identified issues and planned mitigation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【LARGE SIZE】 This large plane building toy measures 21 inches long and 6.7 inches tall. In addition, this realistic airport building set includes a large terminal and an airport tower, as well as two baggage trucks. This well-designed plane's streamlined fuselage, eagle wings and elegant tail design all contribute to its graceful appearance in the blue sky. It is not only a means of transport, but also a symbol of the desire for the blue sky and exploration.
- 【LED LIGHT】This aircraft building block set features with an innovative light design to make your model aircraft sparkle in the dark. The moment your kid lights up, the warm glow spills out through the plane's windows, creating a cosy and mysterious atmosphere. Kids can imagine themselves as the owner of this plane, enjoying their own little world in the quiet night.
- 【RICH DETAILS】This city airplane building toy set includes tons of details, removing the top cover of the plane reveals the cockpit, seating, aisle, dining area, and bathroom. When the cabin door is fully open, it connects perfectly with the boarding stairs and baggage conveyor belt. There are security check machines, LED screens and boarding gate in the terminal building lobby. The VIP lounge is equipped with a coffee machine, magazine rack and dining table. There are more amazing details waiting to be discovered!
- 【SAFE MATERIAL】This plane building set for boys age 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 years old are made of high quality ABS material with smooth edges and no burrs, won't hurt your kids hands. This aircraft building blocks sets can stimulate their curiosity and creativity, improve their imagination and spatial thinking skills. With the guidance of the colorful and easy understanding illustrated manual, kids can assemble a complete airplane on their own.
- 【GIFTING CHOICE】If your families/friends are model aviation enthusiasts, then this one and only airplane plane aircraft model will be a treat for them! This exclusive airport playset restores the grand busy airport in real life. Kids can give full play to their imagination in several hours of building and gain an unforgettable flight experience! It will be a nice holiday gift, birthday gift, Christmas gift for both kids and adults any age.
Rank #4
- 【6 IN 1 Airplane Toy Building Set】Build an exciting space shuttle toy model for kids 6-12 year olds. This WINGIFT passenger airplane building block set includes a large aircraft, passenger vehicles, luggage truck, boarding stairs and other building kits. One toy set can be transformed into 6 different styles of airplane model , vividly restoring the large and busy airport in real life, allowing children to enjoy an unforgettable flight experience in hours of construction
- 【Exquisite airport terminal building kit】This realistic airport terminal building kit consists of three parts, including the terminal, VIP lounge and airport tower. The VIP lounge includes security check machines, LED display screens and boarding gates,the VIP lounge includes dining tables, beverage cabinets and magazines, and the airport tower includes an airport control console. In addition to the rich interior details, this airplane building block set also comes with rich colorful stickers, providing children with a wealth of creative imagination space
- 【Detailed Design】The streamlined fuselage, eagle wings and tail of the large plane not only make the aircraft look more modern and refined, but also inspire children's interest in aviation technology.In the process of building the airport,use your imagination to create different scenes,imitating daily airport operations such as aircraft takeoff, landing,boarding and baggage handling.This immersive way of playing helps to improve children's spatial perception,hands-on ability and teamwork spirit
- 【Kids Safety Always Comes First】This large airplane building block set is made of high-quality ABS material, which is non-toxic, odorless, sturdy and durable. The bright colors and realistic appearance enhance the fun of building this city airliner model. This STEM building toy for boys ages 6-12 can stimulate their curiosity and creativity during the construction process, improve their imagination, and enhance their logical thinking ability and confidence in problem solving
- 【Gifts for Kids and Adults】This airport toy set is beautifully packaged, with fine details, and is 100% compatible with all major brand building blocks. If your family/friends are model aviation enthusiasts, it will be a nice holiday gift when you bring the city airplane building block toys to parties, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and other occasions. This is not only a unique aircraft model for collection, but also a beautiful desktop decoration. You can display it in your study, bedroom, living room or office
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
