Addis Ababa Bole Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Addis Ababa Bole Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

August 23, 2019 - last modified on August 26, 2022

Addis Adaba Bole Intl (ADD/HAAB) is the gateway to Ethiopia and the hub of local gigant Ethiopian Airlines with all its types. The airport handles a bit more than 12 million passenger a year and is located 5km out of Addis Ababa’s centre.

General Information
Security	First of any description note that this is an extremely poor area and you’ll have to see a few “disgusting” things getting on to the location, also note that this place is safe but you must keep your passport and avoid the area if you’re not going to take pictures of airplanes.
Terminal	ADD has 2 terminals.
Runway	There are two parralel runways, 07L/25R (3700m) and 07R/25L (3800mm).

	Dirt hill – 07L Arrivals
WHERE	Be aware of there is no ride-share apps at Addis Ababa although taxis are very cheap. Expect to pay 300ETB from the city center. As a hop-off point, St Joseph church is good (Ring Road, አዲስ አበባ) then walk south 5 min you will hit a road which goes downhill, follow that road direction eastbound (picture 1) until the end. Cross the tiny dirt way and keep heading east, you want to find yourself here (picture 2). As a remark you are going to be watching Planes since the moment you hop off, just follow the way of the planes. Then once you got to the position mentioned before you will see a hill very easy to be climbed up. Get on that hill and find the most suitable location for you (picture 3).

WHAT	Best for 07L arrivals where you can make nice side shots. Belly shots only for 07R.

TIME	Best in the morning.

MISC.	Eventually, you’ll get people watching you as an alien, most of the people do not know what a camera is. Bring some food and share it with them if you can. And again, this is a safe area!

FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 70mm

: Picture 1

: Picture 2

: Picture 3

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