Adaba Airport

Common Complaints

• Overcrowding and Lack of Seating: The terminal, especially Terminal 2 at peak times, is frequently described as "hopelessly overcrowded" with insufficient seating and limited comfortable waiting areas.
• Long and Chaotic Security/Immigration: Security queues are notoriously long and often disorganized, sometimes involving multiple checks, including one right before the gate, forcing passengers to discard liquids. Immigration lines can also be extended.
• Unhelpful or Rude Staff: A recurring complaint highlights some airport and airline staff as rude, aggressive, or unsupportive, lacking customer service skills.
• Disorganized Boarding and Transfers: Boarding, particularly when involving bus transfers to remote aircraft stands, can be chaotic with poor signage and a lack of clear directions, leading to pushing and shoving.
• Limited and Overpriced Amenities: There are few decent food options airside, and existing food and drink outlets are often found to be overpriced with low quality. Charging points can also be broken.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport continues to evolve with significant infrastructural improvements. While these developments enhance the traveler experience in some areas, particularly for those with premium services, challenges like overcrowding, security inefficiencies, and staff professionalism remain common points of frustration for many travelers.