Kombolcha Airport (DSE)
Dessie, ET 🇪🇹 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
HADC
IATA
DSE
Elevation
6120 ft
Region
ET-AM
Local Time
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GPS Code: HADC
Local Code: Not available
Location: 11.10975° N, 39.725911° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Small Airport
About Kombolcha Airport
Updated: Jan 1, 2026Kombolcha Airport (IATA: DSE, ICAO: HADC) serves as the primary aviation gateway for the northern Ethiopian cities of Dessie and Kombolcha. It plays a crucial role in connecting this significant industrial and commercial hub in the Amhara Region with Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, facilitating business travel, tourism, and cargo transport. The airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for the region's economic development, providing a fast and reliable alternative to the long overland journey to the capital.
Originally a simple gravel airstrip, the facility underwent a major upgrade and was inaugurated as a modern airport in 2014. This transformation equipped it with a paved runway and a new terminal building, significantly increasing its capacity and safety standards. The airport's strategic location has also made it important for logistical operations during various periods. Its operations are focused entirely on domestic travel, with Ethiopian Airlines being the sole commercial carrier offering scheduled flights. The primary and only regular route connects Kombolcha with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), from where passengers can access a global network of destinations.
Kombolcha Airport is located within the town of Kombolcha, approximately 18 kilometers southeast of the larger city of Dessie. Travelers can reach the airport from Dessie in about 30-45 minutes by road, depending on traffic. The most common forms of transport to and from the airport are local taxis and three-wheeled auto-rickshaws known as "bajajs." Fares are typically negotiated with the driver before the journey begins.
The airport consists of a single, functional terminal building designed to handle a modest flow of domestic passengers. Inside, facilities are basic but sufficient for its operations. Travelers will find check-in desks, a security checkpoint, and a clean waiting area with seating in the departure lounge. Amenities are limited; there are no large restaurants, duty-free shops, or dedicated airline lounges. A small kiosk or café may be available for purchasing light snacks and beverages. For travelers using the airport, it is advisable to arrive 60 to 90 minutes prior to their flight's departure. Given the limited food options, passengers may wish to eat beforehand. As all flights route through Addis Ababa, those with connecting flights should ensure they have allocated sufficient layover time at Bole International Airport.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Kombolcha Airport (HADC (DSE)) in Dessie, Ethiopia, has recently undergone significant upgrades, with a new "global standard" terminal inaugurated in August 2025. While direct traveler reviews reflecting experiences with the newly enhanced facilities are still limited due to the recent opening, the overarching sentiment from official reports and the operating airline, Ethiopian Airlines, is focused on vastly improved passenger experience and enhanced regional connectivity.
What Travelers Love (based on new developments):
- Modern Terminal Facilities: The airport now boasts a newly constructed 3,500 sq meter passenger terminal, a VIP Terminal, and supporting facility buildings, all built to a "global standard."
- Enhanced Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines now operates daily flights to and from Kombolcha, including a new direct route to Bahir Dar, eliminating the need to transit through Addis Ababa for regional travel. This is expected to streamline travel within the Amhara Region.
- Improved Amenities: The new terminal includes essential facilities such as parking areas, and there are mentions of restaurants and ATMs available.
- Strategic Location: The airport is strategically positioned to boost tourism and socioeconomic growth in the Wollo region and north-central Ethiopia, facilitating movement for both travelers and cargo.
Common Complaints
- Limited Recent Traveler Reviews: Due to the very recent inauguration of the upgraded facilities (August 2025), there are no substantial recent traveler reviews detailing specific complaints or praises beyond the official statements of enhancement.
- Security and Immigration Wait Time Estimates (General): While not direct complaints, a third-party service estimates current security wait times at approximately 27 minutes and immigration wait times at 8 minutes. These are predictive estimates rather than traveler-reported experiences.
With its significant recent investment and infrastructure upgrade, Kombolcha Airport aims to provide a much-improved travel experience for passengers, serving as a vital hub for domestic travel and regional development in Ethiopia.
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Airport Routes
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- Bahir Dar (BJR) new
- Semera (SZE) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
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Top Airlines
Operating at Kombolcha AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
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3 | 81 | 3 | Feb 9, 2026 |
For Pilots
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Ground Transportation
Taxis
Local taxis and three-wheeled bajaj (auto-rickshaws) are the primary means of transport from the airport. They are typically available outside the terminal building, especially after flight arrivals. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey.
Rental Cars
There are no on-site car rental counters from major international or local companies at Kombolcha Airport. Car hire, often including a driver, must be arranged in advance through a local tour operator or a rental agency based in a larger city like Addis Ababa or Dessie.
Public Transportation
There is no formal, scheduled public bus or train service that directly connects to the airport terminal. The most practical options for travel to and from the airport are pre-arranged transfers or local taxis.