Owais Crawford
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the largest airport in Africa and is located close to the city centre. It has two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic flights and Terminal 2 catering to international flights. The airport has received mixed reviews, with some praising the smooth and quick arrival process, while others have criticised the airport for issues such as unhelpful staff, inadequate facilities, and lengthy security checks. There have also been concerns raised about the safety of belongings, with some reports of theft by airport staff. The airport offers a range of services, including a transit hotel, spacious restaurant facilities, and lounges, but the quality of these services has been called into question by some travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Staff | Unhelpful, sleeping on the job, apathetic, disinterested, give conflicting directions |
| Security | Multiple checks, including repeated secondary screenings and document checks |
| Food and Drink | Overpriced, no alcohol, bad quality |
| Lounge | Cramped, crowded, no windows |
| Location | Very close to the city center |
| Luggage | Issues with lost or delayed luggage |
| Check-in | Chaotic, no queues, no guidance |
| Boarding | Smooth |
| Visa | No queue for visa on arrival |
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What You'll Learn
The airport has a reputation for poor customer service
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has garnered a reputation for its poor customer service. The airport, which is Africa's oldest continuously operating airline, has received numerous complaints about its staff's apathy and disinterest. Customers have reported that the staff give conflicting directions, and it is challenging to get assistance when needed. One reviewer noted that the staff seemed disinterested in addressing issues, such as broken charging points.
The check-in process has also been criticised, with passengers noting a lack of guidance and organisation during this stage of their journey. The security checks have been described as excessive, with multiple screenings and document checks causing delays and confusion. The departure hall and lounge facilities have also been the subject of negative reviews. One passenger observed that a young father was charged an exorbitant fee for heating up his baby's milk, and the food and beverage options have been characterised as overpriced and subpar.
The airport's remote stand disembarking process has been inefficient, with a single bus provided for over 300 passengers, resulting in lengthy disembarkation times. In addition to these operational challenges, there have been concerns about the safety of belongings. Some passengers have alleged that their items were stolen or unnecessarily confiscated by airport staff, creating an impression of insecurity.
The overall impression conveyed by customer reviews is that the airport's customer service falls short of expectations. The combination of unhelpful staff, disorganisation, and inadequate facilities has contributed to a perception of poor service quality. These issues have impacted passengers' experiences, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. While some reviews mention positive aspects, such as smooth immigration and timely luggage retrieval, the predominant sentiment regarding customer service at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is negative.
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There are multiple security checks and screenings
Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is known for its multiple security checks and screenings. The airport is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and oldest continuously operating airline in Africa.
Passengers can expect to go through full security with X-rays and liquid restrictions before boarding their flights. In some cases, there may be additional security checks and document screenings near the gate, even for transit passengers. These extra checks have caused some travellers to miss their flights, so it is advisable to leave plenty of time when departing from Addis Ababa.
One passenger review mentions having to discard drinks purchased at airport prices due to the unexpected secondary security screening. Another review highlights the issue of conflicting directions given by airport staff, which can add to the confusion and frustration of navigating the multiple security checkpoints.
The security checks at Bole International Airport may also involve thorough inspections of passengers' belongings. Some travellers have reported issues with customs officials, who have confiscated items such as binoculars without providing a clear reason.
Overall, travellers should be prepared for multiple security checks and screenings when departing from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. It is advisable to allow for extra time and to be cautious when bringing certain items through customs.
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The Plaza Premium lounge has been criticised for its poor experience
The reviewer goes on to say that the lounge is "utterly without merit", and that the promotional photos on the Priority Pass app depict a "well-stocked, inviting bar and what looks like restaurant seating with linen table clothes". However, in reality, the bar is not part of the lounge and is open to anyone. The reviewer also questions where the "fancy table photos" came from.
The lounge has also been described as "pricey", with one reviewer stating that they were charged $20 to heat up their baby's milk. Another reviewer noted that you have to pay $10 for 0.4 litres of beer.
The level of service at the airport has also been criticised, with one reviewer stating that the "service level [is] non-existent, [and] customer service staff simply could not care less". Another reviewer noted that the staff gave conflicting directions, and that trying to raise issues with staff was met with "apathy and disinterest".
Overall, the Plaza Premium lounge at Addis Ababa airport has been described as a poor experience, with reviewers citing bad food, lack of alcohol, misleading promotion, and poor service as reasons to "stay away".
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Ethiopian Airlines is considered reliable, but the airport is not
Ethiopian Airlines is considered reliable, but the airport it operates out of, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, has been described as "difficult" and "a joke" by customers. The airline is wholly owned by the Ethiopian government and is the largest in Africa. It is also Africa's oldest continuously operating airline, having started operations in 1945. However, the airport has been criticised for its poor service, unhelpful staff, and long security processes. One passenger noted that the staff seemed to not care, and another said that they had to go through full security multiple times, even after disembarking. The Plaza Premium lounge at the airport has also been criticised for its bad food, high prices, and misleading promotional photos.
The airport's location is very close to the city centre, and it has two terminals: Terminal I for domestic flights and Terminal II for international flights. However, the check-in process has been described as chaotic, with passengers noting that people do not queue up and no one guides you. The departure hall is said to be decent unless your gate is downstairs. The food and drink options at the airport have received negative reviews, with one passenger noting that a young father was charged $20 for heating up his baby's milk, and beer being priced at $10 for 0.4 litres.
Some passengers have also raised concerns about the safety of their belongings at the airport. One passenger noted that they were told by an Ethiopian friend that the airport is unsafe and that they should keep their important belongings in their hand luggage. They also mentioned that their PS5 was inspected by customs officials for no reason, causing a delay. Another passenger reported having binoculars taken by customs when entering the country, but they were able to retrieve them upon departure.
While Ethiopian Airlines may be reliable, the reviews suggest that the experience at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport can be challenging and frustrating. The issues highlighted include unhelpful staff, inefficient security procedures, high prices for food and drink, and concerns about the safety of personal belongings. These factors can impact the overall travel experience and may deter passengers from choosing to fly through this airport.
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The airport is very close to the city centre
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is very conveniently located for those travelling to and from the city centre. Its proximity to the heart of the city means that it is easily accessible, and it won't take long to reach your accommodation or other destinations within Addis Ababa. This is especially useful for those with stopovers or short layovers, as you won't have to travel far to reach the city's attractions and amenities.
The airport itself has received mixed reviews. Some travellers have praised the smooth and quick arrival and departure processes, while others have criticised the airport for issues such as unhelpful staff, broken facilities, and a lack of organisation during check-in.
The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic flights and Terminal 2 dedicated to international flights. Ethiopian Airlines, which operates out of the airport, is the largest in Africa and is the continent's oldest continuously operating airline.
For those with longer layovers or waiting times, the Plaza Premium Lounge has been criticised for its high prices, lack of windows, and poor food and beverage options. However, the Cloud Nine Lounge has received more positive reviews, with travellers commenting on its pleasant atmosphere and peaceful environment.
Overall, while the airport's proximity to the city centre is undoubtedly convenient, travellers should be prepared for potential challenges and frustrations within the airport itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Some passengers have reported that their belongings were stolen by airport staff, while others have stated that their luggage was checked but they faced no issues entering or exiting the country.
The food at the airport has been described as "a nightmare" by some passengers. The Plaza Premium lounge, in particular, has been criticised for its bad food, lack of alcohol, cramped space, and high prices.
The level of service at the airport has been described as "non-existent" by some passengers, with staff accused of being unhelpful, apathetic, and disinterested. There have also been reports of conflicting directions given by staff, contributing to a frustrating experience.
The airport is conveniently located close to the city centre, making it easy to access for travellers.
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