Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Summary – Bishoftu International Airport Project

The Bishoftu International Airport Project, located in Abusera near Bishoftu Town about 40 km south of Addis Ababa, is a landmark national infrastructure development led by the Ethiopian Airlines Group. The project seeks to address the increasing capacity limitations of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, strengthen Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s premier aviation hub, and promote inclusive national and regional economic growth. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was undertaken in full alignment with the requirements of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, the African Development Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System, the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards, and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, all of which are benchmarked against international environmental and social management practices.

The ESIA identified both beneficial and adverse environmental and social impacts associated with the project’s design, construction, and operational phases. Positive impacts include significant employment generation, skill development, enhancement of trade and tourism, and strengthened international connectivity that supports Ethiopia’s long-term economic transformation. Potential negative impacts such as land acquisition and displacement, livelihood disruptions, air and noise pollution, and risks to biodiversity and water resources were assessed comprehensively through scientific studies and inclusive stakeholder consultations involving local communities, regulatory authorities, and development partners.

To ensure compliance with international best practices, the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan provides robust mitigation and enhancement measures. These include fair and transparent compensation and resettlement programs, livelihood restoration, pollution control, sustainable waste and water management, biodiversity protection, and community health and safety measures. Continuous monitoring, grievance redress mechanisms, and institutional capacity building are also integral to the plan. With the issuance of the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) by the Environmental Protection Authority, the Bishoftu International Airport Project exemplifies Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development grounded in internationally recognized environmental and social standards, transparency, and global best practices.

To open the full ESIA Report, please click the link below

https://drive.google.com/file/d/133_Ylkmf8XQBkUJY6FEx_ETQEv6EEgGu/view?usp=sharing

To open the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC), please open the below link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hq47tux-mc8ZgDsoSqPxjOCyFVJkfIi0/view?usp=sharing