Last reviewed: September 2026 · Africa Airport Guides
Operator summary
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (HAAB / ADD) is Ethiopia’s main international airport and the hub of Ethiopian Airlines. It sits about 6 km south-east of Addis Ababa city centre. At about 2,334 m, it is one of the highest major airports in the world, so aircraft performance needs careful planning.
| Airport | Addis Ababa Bole International Airport |
|---|---|
| IATA code | ADD |
| ICAO code | HAAB |
| Location | About 6 km south-east of Addis Ababa city centre, Ethiopia |
| Operator | Ethiopian Airports Enterprise |
| Elevation | About 2,334 m (7,657 ft) |
| Runways | 07R/25L, about 3,800 m. 07L/25R, about 3,700 m. Both asphalt. |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Hub airline | Ethiopian Airlines |
| Time zone | East Africa Time, UTC+3 |
| AAES support | 24/7 permits, ground handling and Jet A-1 fuel coordination from Nairobi |
Planning a movement through Addis Ababa? Send the aircraft type and registration, route, dates, passenger or cargo details, fuel quantity and the services you need. AAES can coordinate flight permits, ground handling and Jet A-1 fuel. Each item is subject to authority, airport and supplier confirmation.
Where is Addis Ababa airport?
Bole International Airport is in the Bole area, about 6 km south-east of the city centre. It is close to the city, but road traffic can still slow transfers. Plan crew and passenger movements with a buffer.
ADD and HAAB airport codes
ADD is the IATA code. It is used for tickets, baggage tags and bookings. HAAB is the ICAO code. It is used in flight plans, NOTAMs, permits and handling requests.
High elevation: the main planning factor
Addis Ababa sits at about 2,334 m. Thin air cuts engine thrust and lift. Take-off runs get longer, and the maximum take-off weight may drop, especially in warm weather.
- Run take-off performance for the actual weight and temperature
- Check whether a fuel stop is needed after departure
- Allow for higher true airspeeds on approach and landing
- Review brake cooling on short turnarounds
The same care applies at other high East African airports, such as Eldoret and Nairobi JKIA.
Runways and terminals
The airport has two parallel asphalt runways. 07R/25L is about 3,800 m. 07L/25R is about 3,700 m. The airport is open 24 hours.
| Terminal | Main use |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Domestic flights |
| Terminal 2 | International flights. Expanded in 2019. |
Ask the handler how private and charter passengers will be processed. Check the current Ethiopia AIP and NOTAMs before every movement.
Permits for Ethiopia
Foreign non-scheduled flights into Ethiopia need a landing permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. Overflights need an overflight permit. The documents and lead time depend on the flight purpose and aircraft.
AAES can prepare and follow up the request through our landing permit and overflight permit services. For the difference between the two, read overflight vs landing permits in Africa.
Ground handling at Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is a busy airline hub, with heavy traffic at connection peaks. Confirm handling, parking and slots before departure. Tell the handler about:
- Aircraft type, registration and MTOW
- ETA, ETD and ground time
- Parking needs and length of stay
- Passenger, crew and baggage numbers
- VIP, catering and crew hotel needs
AAES coordinates aircraft handling, VIP handling and in-flight catering through local providers.
Jet A-1 fuel at Addis Ababa
Jet A-1 is available. Supplier cover, payment method and uplift timing still vary. Confirm the uplift before departure. At this elevation, plan fuel and payload together.
See our aircraft fuelling services and the Jet A-1 density and uplift planning guide.
Cargo operations
Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s largest air cargo hubs, led by Ethiopian Airlines. The airport has a dedicated cargo terminal. For cargo flights, confirm the warehouse, customs papers, loading equipment and dangerous goods rules early. See our air cargo handling coordination.
Future: Bishoftu International Airport
Ethiopia plans a new hub at Bishoftu, south-east of Addis Ababa. It is expected to replace Bole as the main hub, with completion projected around 2030. Until then, Bole remains the gateway for all international flights to the capital.
Using Addis Ababa on longer routes
Addis Ababa links East Africa with the Middle East, Europe and West Africa. It can work as a fuel or crew stop, but plan permits for every country on the route. See our multi-country flight planning guide and the Kenya technical stop guide for a Nairobi alternative.
Common planning mistakes
- Using sea-level performance figures at a 2,334 m airport
- Arriving at an airline connection peak without a confirmed slot
- Missing an overflight permit for a neighbouring country
- Assuming fuel is confirmed because it is normally available
FAQs: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
What is the airport code for Addis Ababa?
The IATA code is ADD. The ICAO code is HAAB.
How far is Bole airport from Addis Ababa city centre?
About 6 km south-east of the city centre.
How high is Addis Ababa airport?
About 2,334 m (7,657 ft). This affects take-off performance and payload.
Is Addis Ababa airport open 24 hours?
Yes. Still confirm handling and slots for your ETA.
Do private flights need a permit to land in Ethiopia?
Yes. Foreign non-scheduled flights need a landing permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority.
Need 24/7 flight support in Kenya or across Africa?
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509