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Bole Addis Ababa Airport ADD

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ADD Airport Insights & Guide

Key ADD Airport Topics:

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Bole Addis Ababa Airport (ADD) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ADD-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"Bole Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is primarily for domestic flights and some regional flights, while Terminal 2 handles international flights. Make sure to check your boarding pass and follow the signs to the correct terminal to avoid any confusion." — Mekdes A., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 2023

"If you’re flying Ethiopian Airlines, you’ll most likely be using Terminal 2. It's quite spacious and has recently been renovated, so it’s much easier to navigate now. Just follow the clear signage to get to your gate efficiently." — Yonas G., Bishoftu, Ethiopia, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The airport is just about 6 kilometers from the city center. I recommend using the official airport taxis for a hassle-free experience. They are reliable and have fixed rates, which can save you from haggling." — Hana K., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 2023

"For a more budget-friendly option, the Addis Ababa Light Rail runs close to the airport. You can catch it from the nearby station and it’s a great way to avoid traffic during peak hours." — Dawit M., Debre Zeyit, Ethiopia, October 2023

Parking

"If you’re driving to the airport, there are several parking options available. The long-term parking lot is quite affordable and just a short shuttle ride away from the terminals. Make sure to arrive early to find a good spot." — Selam T., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 2023

"Short-term parking is located right next to the terminals and is perfect if you’re just dropping someone off or picking them up. It’s a bit pricier, but the convenience is worth it." — Fitsum B., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"There are plenty of dining options inside Terminal 2, ranging from local Ethiopian cuisine to international fast food. I highly recommend trying the traditional coffee at one of the cafes; it’s a great way to experience local culture." — Aida S., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 2024

"For shopping, the duty-free stores in Terminal 2 offer a wide range of products, from souvenirs to luxury goods. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute gifts or treats for yourself." — Samuel J., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Security lines can get quite long, especially during peak travel times. Arrive at least three hours before your international flight to ensure you have enough time to get through security and reach your gate." — Mulu K., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 2024

"Keep an eye on the flight information screens for any updates on your flight status. Delays are not uncommon, so it’s good to stay informed and have a backup plan, like a book or a downloaded movie, to pass the time." — Alem T., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 2024

iFly Tip: Learn how to check in faster and easier with our comprehensive check-in guide.

Getting to Know ADD Airport

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.

iFly Tip: Make sure your luggage is processed on time by knowing the baggage cutoff times.

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.

Transportation Options

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

  • Car Rentals: 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. It is recommended to book your car in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are 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. The ride to the city center typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are not available in Ethiopia. Travelers will need to rely on other transportation options such as taxis, shuttles, or public transportation.
  • Airport Shuttles: 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 upon arrival at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination. Shuttle services are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels or specific locations within the city.
  • Public Transportation: 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. The bus service connects the airport to various parts of the city, and tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver or at designated ticket counters.

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.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Addis Ababa Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: Bole Addis Ababa Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the terminal for your convenience.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Bole Addis Ababa Airport features a designated children's play area near the departure gates.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
  • ATM: Several ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • Medical Center: In case of a medical emergency, a medical center is available 24/7. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.

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.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Terminals: The airport has one main terminal building with two concourses, serving both domestic and international flights.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates. For a complete list of airlines, visit the ADD Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Bole Addis Ababa Airport handles approximately 17,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 150 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ADD are Dubai, Istanbul, Nairobi, Jeddah, and Cairo.
  • Annual Passengers: The airport accommodates over 12 million passengers annually.
  • Hub Status: Bole Addis Ababa Airport serves as a hub for Ethiopian Airlines, 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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Bole Addis Ababa Airport Q&A

The airport has one main terminal building with two concourses: Concourse 1 and Concourse 2.
Major airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa.
Follow the signs to the appropriate gates. The walk time between the farthest gates is around 10-15 minutes.
Use the curbside drop-off zone for dropping off and the designated cell-phone waiting area for picking up passengers.
The airport offers covered and uncovered parking lots, a multilevel parking garage, and a cell phone waiting area.
Options include car rentals, taxis, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
Yes, there are several hotels nearby, including the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel and the Skylight In-Terminal Hotel.
The airport offers a variety of dining options such as KFC and Abyssinia Restaurant, and shopping options including duty-free shops and the Ethiopian Heritage Gift Shop.
Yes, the airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
You can check flight status through in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, or the flight departures page on ifly.com.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport