โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Metema Airport (ETE) is a regional domestic facility serving the town of Metema in the Amhara Region of northwestern Ethiopia. Situated extremely close to the international border with Sudan, the airport acts as a strategic hub for government logistics, regional administration, and essential services for the local population. It features a single unpaved runway and serves as a critical transportation node for one of the primary land crossing points between Ethiopia and Sudan, particularly during periods when the Metema-Gallabat border is active.
The terminal infrastructure at Metema is basic and designed for functional regional travel. It consists of a single passenger building that provides essential facilities including a small waiting area, a dedicated coffee shop serving traditional Ethiopian beverages, and basic administrative counters. Other amenities on-site include a small gift shop, luggage storage, and a medical desk for urgent care. The airport environment is highly reflective of its frontier location, with a focus on processing regional travelers and light freight. Security is thoroughly managed by local authorities due to the proximity to the international border.
There are currently no regular scheduled commercial flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines to Metema Airport. Air traffic primarily consists of specialized charter flights, humanitarian organizations, and government-coordinated services using STOL (Short Take-off and Landing) aircraft. Ground transportation is primarily served by local taxis and buses that connect the airfield to the town center and provide onward links to larger cities such as Gondar (GDQ) and Bahir Dar (BJR). Travelers are strongly advised to monitor current border status and regional security conditions, as operations at the airport can be affected by localized tensions and seasonal rainfall patterns.
๐ Connection Tips
Confirm the current status of the Ethiopia-Sudan border crossing before travel, as the airport's operations and security protocols are highly sensitive to border conditions.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), with ICAO code HAAB, is Ethiopia's primary international gateway and the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa's city center, it serves as a significant aviation hub for East Africa, connecting destinations across the continent, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The airport features two main terminals, which are physically connected by a walkway and a free shuttle service.
Terminal 1 primarily handles domestic and regional flights. It has undergone significant expansion, with a $50 million renovation completed in 2024, more than doubling its size to 25,750 square meters. Terminal 2 is the larger, more modern international terminal, exclusively serving international flights. Opened in 2003 and expanded in 2019, it offers modern facilities designed for efficient international departures and arrivals. Both terminals provide various services, including duty-free shops, VIP lounges (such as the Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge), ATMs, restaurants, and cafes.
The airport is equipped to handle a large volume of passengers, with an annual capacity of over 22 million international and 2 million domestic passengers. It is continuously growing, with plans for a new, larger airport near Bishoftu to handle up to 100 million passengers per year by 2029 or 2030, highlighting its strategic importance in African aviation.
๐ Connection Tips
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is a major connecting hub, particularly for Ethiopian Airlines, which utilizes it for a vast network of international and domestic routes. For international-to-international transfers, a minimum layover of 2.5 to 3 hours is recommended. If traveling on a single ticket with a partner airline, passengers can often remain in the transit area without formal entry checks. However, for separate tickets or non-partner airlines, re-checking luggage and passing through security again may be necessary.\n\nMany international arrivals use remote stands, requiring passengers to be bussed to Terminal 2. Upon reaching the terminal, follow "CONNECTING FLIGHTS" signs (typically green) to the departures level. Ethiopian Airlines offers a valuable service for eligible passengers with layovers exceeding 8 hours, providing a free hotel stay; inquire at the "ARRIVALS AND TRANSFER DESK" for a transit hotel voucher. For domestic connections, allow 1.5 to 2 hours between flights.\n\nGround transportation from ADD to the city center is convenient and affordable. Taxis typically cost $7-$10 USD or 250-300 Ethiopian Birr for a 15-minute ride. Minibus services are also available and are a very inexpensive option. Most travelers need an Ethiopia eVisa, which should be obtained before arrival to avoid delays. The airport can be crowded and noisy, with potentially long lines for check-in and security, so arriving with ample time is advisable.
โ Back to Metema Airport