WITH TRAVEL TO AND FROM the African continent consistently on the rise, the air industry faces the need for constant expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growing numbers of both business and leisure travelers.

As Ethiopia’s largest city and capital, Addis Ababa witnessed some of the most significant increases in population and tourist numbers in recent years. Home to the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and several other major international organizations, the sprawling city emerged as the political capital of Africa. The city’s main airport, Addis Ababa Bole International, now ventures to supply the air services necessary to meet the rapidly growing national and international demand.

As the main hub and headquarters of Ethiopian Airlines — the national airline serving more than 35 cities across the African continent as well as Asia, Europe, North America and South America — Addis Ababa Bole is working closely with the airline on several improvement initiatives and expansion projects.

Addis Ababa Bole International has two terminals with a total of 11 gates. Terminal 1 serves domestic and regional flights for Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, Sudan Airways and Yemenia Airways. Terminal 2 serves international flights and the rest of the airlines that operate at the airport.

As part of its Vision 2025 plan, Ethiopian Airlines opened the first phase of its Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge at ADD in 2012, providing premium travelers access to modern facilities and high-end amenities. The second phase of the project includes a spa, private digital lockers and a traditional Ethiopian coffee corner.

In January 2015 Ethiopian Airports Enterprise launched an expansion project for the passenger terminal. The existing main terminal was designed for a capacity of 6 million passengers per year, but the terminal currently handles 8.5 million passengers, creating significant congestion during peak hours.

The project, currently underway, includes expansion of Terminals 1 and 2 and the construction of a new 74,000-square-foot VIP Terminal. Terminal 2 will be expanded and connected to Terminal 1. The VIP Terminal, designed by renowned Singapore architectural firm CGP, will feature a new car park facility, a large shopping area, cafés and restaurants, as well as modern business-class lounges, IT centers and offices. The project, currently 40 percent complete, is scheduled to finish by January 2018 and will allow the airport to handle 22 million passengers annually.

Even with these expansions and improvements, there is concern Addis Ababa Bole will reach capacity again in 10 years. With increasing air traffic, runway congestion due to only one runway and the fast growth of Ethiopian Airlines, the airport will need to develop further expansion plans to match rapid growth.

Supplemental plans appear to be in place to handle the increased traffic, as Ethiopian Airports Enterprise announced plans in September to build one of the largest airports in Africa, estimated to handle 120 million passengers annually. The capacity of the new airport will reportedly be similar to Dubai (DXB) and Heathrow (LHR). The country currently has 20 airports, and the government plans to increase that number to 30 in five years, 25 of which will meet international standards.

As Ethiopia continues its energetic pursuit of cross-border trade, new business relationships and international tourism, Addis Ababa Bole International will play a key role in allowing travelers access to not only the key political and economic hub of Addis Ababa but also to surrounding cities and tourism destinations across the African continent.