Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (JIB)
Djibouti City, DJ 🇩🇯 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
HDAM
IATA
JIB
Elevation
49 ft
Region
DJ-DJ
Local Time
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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: HDAM
Local Code: Not available
Location: 11.5473° N, 43.1595° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Camp Lemonnier
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment regarding Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (JIB) is largely mixed, often leaning towards a challenging experience, particularly in older reviews, though some more recent aggregated data indicates reasonable efficiency for certain processes. Many describe the airport as basic, small, and lacking modern amenities, leading to generally low satisfaction for those expecting a contemporary international hub.
What Travelers Love
- International Connectivity: JIB serves as a vital link with flights to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, offered by several major airlines.
- Compact Layout: The airport's relatively small size allows for easy navigation, minimizing stress and maximizing convenience for passengers.
- Availability of VIP Services: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, services like Meet & Greet, fast-track immigration, and access to a Salon VIP Lounge are available, offering a more comfortable and efficient passage.
- Accessible Transportation: Taxis are generally available outside the airport, and private transfers can be pre-booked for convenience.
Common Complaints
- Subpar Facilities and Cleanliness: Travelers frequently describe the terminal as old, unclean, and basic, with limited amenities, inadequate air conditioning, and a common presence of mosquitos. Check-in desks are sometimes in poor repair, and toilets, while functional, may not be clean.
- Inefficient Customs and Immigration: This is a significant point of frustration, with reports of extended wait times, chaotic processing (manual entry of e-visa details), and in older reviews, even allegations of bribery requests. While current immigration wait times might be as low as 8 minutes, security checks can average around 29-30 minutes.
- Limited Food, Retail, and Wi-Fi: Options for food and retail are sparse, typically limited to a single duty-free shop and a basic bar which may lack change. Wi-Fi can be inconsistent or "hit and miss."
- Baggage Claim Chaos: The baggage retrieval process has been described as slow, chaotic, and disorganized, with porters sometimes rudely attempting to take bags for tips.
- Language Barrier and Staff Issues: Some travelers have experienced difficulties with staff, including being denied visas without clear explanation or encountering strict and uncommunicative gendarmerie regarding airport access.
Overall, Djibouti-Ambouli Airport is perceived as a functional but rudimentary gateway to Djibouti. While it effectively connects the country internationally, travelers should set expectations for a no-frills experience and consider utilizing available VIP services for a smoother journey.
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Airport Routes
Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (JIB) offers 18 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Ethiopian Airlines, Maersk Air Cargo, Qatar Airways and others. Popular destinations from Djibouti City include Mogadishu, Aden Int'l, Jomo Kenyatta Int'l, Egal Int'l and Istanbul Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Egal Int'l (HGA) new
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- Aden Int'l (ADE) new
- Cairo Int'l (CAI) new
- Dubai Int'l (DXB) new
- Mogadishu (MGQ) new
- Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO) new
- King Abdulaziz Int'l (JED) new
- Istanbul Airport (IST) new
- Hamad Int'l (DOH) new
- Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG) new
- Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma Int'l (DIR) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Djibouti-Ambouli AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
2 | 98 | 2 | Feb 11, 2026 |
|
Maersk Air Cargo
SRR
/ DJ
|
3 | 91 | 3 | Feb 11, 2026 |
Qatar Airways
QTR
/ QR
|
2 | 50 | 2 | Feb 7, 2026 |
Turkish Airlines
THY
/ TK
|
1 | 32 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
Fanjet Express
FJE
/ 7F
|
1 | 26 | 1 | Jan 21, 2026 |
Egypt Air
MSR
/ MS
|
2 | 26 | 2 | Feb 7, 2026 |
FlyDubai
FDB
/ FZ
|
1 | 20 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
African Express
AXK
/ XU
|
2 | 15 | 2 | Nov 27, 2025 |
Air France
AFR
/ AF
|
1 | 13 | 1 | Feb 5, 2026 |
|
Yemenia, Yemen Airways
IYE
/ IY
|
1 | 7 | 1 | Jan 29, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09/27 |
10335 ft | 148 ft | PEM | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/G | A/G VOICE RDO | 759.5 MHz |
| APP/DEP | APP/DEP | 121.1 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 126.4 MHz |
| GND | GND | 118.1 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 122.1 MHz |
| UC | UC | 128.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the most common and readily available form of transportation at the airport. They are typically found waiting outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before beginning your journey. The airport is located about 6 km from the city center, making for a relatively short trip.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies, including international brands like Europcar and Hertz, operate at or provide services to Djibouti-Ambouli Airport. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially if you require a 4x4 for travel outside the city. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required in addition to your national driver's license.
Public Transportation
There is no formal public bus or train service that directly connects the airport to Djibouti City. The primary means of transport for arriving passengers are taxis, rental cars, or pre-arranged shuttles provided by major hotels. While local minibuses operate in the city, they do not offer a convenient or direct route from the airport terminal.