✈️ A Continental Crossroads
Few airports embody the spirit of African connectivity like Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Nestled in the Ethiopian highlands, just six kilometers from the city center, Bole has evolved from a modest regional airfield into one of Africa’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs.
It’s the home base of Ethiopian Airlines, a carrier that transformed Addis Ababa into a global waypoint linking 125+ destinations across five continents — from Lagos to London, Harare to Hong Kong, and São Paulo to Seoul.
🏗️ Modern Terminals and Expansive Facilities
Bole International today feels like a microcosm of the continent it serves — dynamic, crowded, and full of movement.
- Terminal 1 handles domestic and regional flights across East Africa.
- Terminal 2, the gleaming new structure opened in 2019, serves international routes and transit passengers.
Inside, you’ll find Ethiopian’s Skylight Lounge, duty-free shops, a medical center, and efficient connections to the airline’s flagship Skylight Hotel, located just a few minutes away. Together, they form the backbone of a 24-hour aviation ecosystem designed for seamless transfers.
🌐 Where Africa Connects with the World
At 2,334 meters (7,625 ft) above sea level, Bole is one of the highest major airports in the world — a fact that demands technical precision from pilots and aircraft alike. Despite its altitude, Ethiopian Airlines operates one of the youngest and most capable fleets in Africa, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350-900s, turning Addis into a modern hub that rivals Dubai or Istanbul for transcontinental transfers.
For travelers, this means efficient connections between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas — with minimal backtracking and authentic Ethiopian hospitality en route.
🚕 Getting There
Bole Airport lies just 15 minutes from central Addis Ababa, though traffic can stretch that journey at peak times.
Options include:
- Taxi: Widely available; negotiate or use the metered airport taxis.
- Hotel shuttles: Many international hotels provide complimentary transfers.
- Light Rail: The city’s light rail system stops at Bole Airport Station, offering a local, affordable connection to downtown.
🏙️ Before You Fly
Addis Ababa is a city best experienced through its energy and warmth. Spend a few hours or a layover exploring:
- Meskel Square, the vibrant heart of the city
- National Museum of Ethiopia, home to Lucy — one of the oldest human ancestors ever discovered
- Entoto Hills, offering panoramic views of the capital
- And don’t leave without a cup of Ethiopia’s famous Arabica coffee, brewed the traditional way
🛫 Why Bole Matters
Bole International Airport is more than just a terminal — it’s a symbol of a continent in motion. It represents ambition, renewal, and the growing self-confidence of African aviation. For travelers, it’s a reminder that journeys through Africa are not detours, but direct routes to the future.
📍 Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO | ADD / HAAB |
| Location | 6 km SE of Addis Ababa city center |
| Elevation | 2,334 m (7,625 ft) |
| Runways | 2 (07R/25L, 07L/25R) |
| Main Airline | Ethiopian Airlines |
| Passenger Capacity | ~22 million annually |
| Opened | 1960s (expanded in 2019) |