Aerial View of Bole Addis Ababa Airport

Bole Addis Ababa Airport ADD

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Bole Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) Guide

Discover Bole Addis Ababa Airport, Ethiopia's busiest hub and the first to feature a full-scale terminal dedicated to COVID-19 prevention. Just six miles from the capital, it's your gateway to adventure. Our concise guide equips you with everything from flight tracking to dining, ensuring a seamless journey. Dive deeper into air travel with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

ADD has one main terminal building with two concourses: Concourse 1 and Concourse 2. Concourse 1 has 14 gates and is used by Ethiopian Airlines for both domestic and international flights. Concourse 2 has 9 gates and is used by all other airlines for international flights.

Major airlines that operate at ADD Airport include Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa. These airlines operate out of Concourse 1 and Concourse 2.

As you enter the terminal building, you will find check-in counters for all airlines on the ground floor. After checking in, passengers can proceed to the security screening area on the first floor. Once you have passed through security, you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges in the departure area.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear signage and helpful staff available to assist passengers.

If you need to transfer between domestic and international flights, you can simply follow the signs to the appropriate gates. The walk time between the farthest gates is around 10-15 minutes, so you should have enough time to make your connection comfortably.

There are no train or shuttle bus options available for getting between terminals at Bole Addis Ababa Airport, but the terminal is easily accessible by taxi or private car. If you need to travel between the airport and your accommodation, you can arrange for a taxi or private car through your hotel or a local transportation provider.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

ADD Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the curbside drop-off zone located outside the terminal building. However, please note that there are strict time limits for dropping off passengers in this area, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. If you need to park your vehicle for a longer period of time, you can use the airport's parking facilities.

If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the designated cell-phone waiting area located near the airport. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive without having to circle the airport or pay for parking. Once your passenger has arrived, you can then proceed to the curbside pick-up zone to collect them. Please note that there are also time limits for picking up passengers in this area, and drivers cannot leave their vehicles unattended.

Parking Facilities & Options

The airport offers several parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots available, as well as a multilevel parking garage. The parking facilities are located within walking distance of the airport terminals, making it easy for travelers to access them.

In addition to the traditional parking options, Bole Addis Ababa Airport also offers a cell phone waiting area for those who are picking up passengers. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive without having to park and pay for parking.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the parking lots and garages at Addis Ababa Airport. These spaces are located close to the terminals and are clearly marked for easy identification.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near ADD. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Get details about ADD Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers various ground transportation options for travelers to choose from.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. These providers offer a variety of car types to suit different needs and budgets.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. Fares are usually negotiated with the driver before the trip, so it is advisable to agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are not available in Ethiopia, so travelers will have to rely on other transportation options.

Airport shuttles are available to transport travelers to and from the airport. These shuttles operate on a fixed schedule and can be booked in advance or on arrival at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.

Public transportation options such as buses and trains are available, but they may not be the most convenient option for travelers with luggage. It is advisable to check the schedules and routes before using public transportation.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a tiring experience, especially when you have a long layover or an early flight. Having a comfortable hotel near the airport can make your journey more enjoyable and less stressful. There are several excellent hotels within a short distance from the airport, ranging from luxury accommodations to cozy guest houses. The Ethiopian Skylight Hotel and the Skylight In-Terminal Hotel are just a stone's throw away from the airport, offering a range of amenities including fitness centers, swimming pools, and even a spa and sauna. For those seeking luxury, the Superb Mansion with 7 Bedrooms in Bole is a lavish accommodation option. Further options include the Best Western Plus Pearl Addis, Golden Tulip Addis Ababa, Ramada Addis, Kaleb Hotel, and Harmony Hotel, all of which are within a short distance from the airport. These establishments offer a range of amenities, from fitness centers to on-site dining, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for air travelers. To view all options, check out our Addis Ababa Airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Addis Ababa Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For a quick bite, head to the food court located in the departure area. Here you'll find popular fast food chains such as KFC and Pizza Hut. If you're looking for something more substantial, try the Ethiopian cuisine at Abyssinia Restaurant located in the arrivals area. Another great option is the Cloud Nine Lounge, which offers a buffet-style menu with a variety of international dishes.

When it comes to shopping, ADD has plenty of options to keep you busy. The duty-free shops offer a wide range of products including local handicrafts, jewelry, and electronics. For souvenirs, head to the Ethiopian Heritage Gift Shop where you'll find traditional Ethiopian clothing, coffee, and spices. If you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, there are also several convenience stores located throughout the airport.

For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, discover what's available here.

Passenger Services

Bole Addis Ababa Airport offers a variety of services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item, head to the lost and found located in the terminal. Families with children can take advantage of the children's play area, located near the departure gates. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to access banking services, there are several ATMs and currency exchange kiosks located throughout the airport. For medical assistance, there is a medical center available 24/7.

Overall, Addis Ababa Airport strives to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at ADD.

One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Another way to stay informed is by using airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to track their flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. Passengers can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through these apps to receive updates on their flight status.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at ADD Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When traveling through ADD Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check-in, go through security, and navigate the airport. The busiest times to avoid are during peak travel seasons such as holidays and weekends.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to the airport. The most convenient option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi to avoid any surprises. Another option is to take the public bus, which is a more affordable option but can be crowded and time-consuming. If you are driving to the airport, there is plenty of parking available.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at Bole Addis Ababa Airport, use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. The maps provide a detailed layout of the airport, including the locations of terminals, gates, and amenities. You can also use the maps to find restaurants, shops, and other services at the airport. This will help you navigate the airport more efficiently and avoid getting lost.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Addis Ababa Airport, make sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in and security. Also, keep an eye on the departure board for any updates or changes to your flight. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact your airline for assistance. Finally, be prepared for long lines and crowds, especially during peak travel seasons.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport, also known as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is the main airport of Ethiopia and serves as a hub for Ethiopian Airlines. The airport has one main terminal building with two concourses, serving both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at Bole Addis Ababa Airport are Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates. On average, the airport handles around 17,000 passengers daily and has approximately 150 daily flights.

Addis Ababa Airport serves over 120 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Dubai, Istanbul, Nairobi, Jeddah, and Cairo. In an average year, the airport sees over 12 million passengers.

In addition to Ethiopian Airlines, other air carriers that use ADD as a hub include ASKY Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo.

Airport History

ADD Airport, also known as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is the main airport in Ethiopia and serves as the hub for Ethiopian Airlines. The airport has a rich history, with significant events that have shaped its growth and development over the years. Here are some of the major milestones in the airport's history:

  • 1940s - Bole Airport was built by the Italian army during their occupation of Ethiopia.
  • 1960s - The airport underwent significant expansion, with the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1970s - The airport was renamed Bole International Airport and became the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines.
  • 1980s - The airport saw further expansion, with the addition of a new terminal and runway.
  • 1990s - The airport underwent a major renovation, with the construction of a new terminal building and modernization of existing facilities.
  • 2000s - The airport continued to grow, with the addition of new airlines and destinations, as well as the construction of a new cargo terminal.
  • 2010s - The airport underwent another major renovation, with the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new facilities, including a new VIP lounge and duty-free shops.

Today, the airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting Ethiopia to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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