Addis Ababa Bole — Ethiopian Airlines’ primary hub and one of Africa’s largest connecting hubs — keeps designated indoor smoking rooms after security, in the Terminal 2 transit area and in several lounges. That’s important, because huge numbers of travellers connect through Bole on Ethiopian Airlines with long layovers, and Ethiopia’s strict tobacco law might suggest otherwise. The one hard rule to remember: vapes are illegal in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Airports Compared: Before and After Security
Before security, you can always smoke outside: at a designated smoking area where there is one, or outside the airport property, beyond the terminal kerb and car parks. After security, Yes means there is a smoking area past security and a dash means none is listed. Each airport’s page has the details.
| Airport | Before security | After security |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa (ADD) | Yes | Yes |
For international travel through Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) is the airport that matters; it is the gateway for almost all of Ethiopian Airlines’ vast network.
How Ethiopian Airport Smoking Works
Ethiopia’s 2019 food and medicine proclamation declares indoor public places smoke-free; Bole nonetheless operates indoor smoking rooms:
- A public indoor smoking room in the Terminal 2 international departures/transit area
- Lounge smoking rooms in the Plaza Premium, Cloud Nine and Sheba Silver lounges
- E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal nationwide — import, sale and use are all banned; do not bring one
- Outdoor smoking is landside only — transit passengers depend on the indoor rooms
The Hub
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines’ base and one of Africa’s largest connecting hubs. After security in Terminal 2, travellers describe a public smoking room near Gates A11–A12, around the corner from the prayer rooms. The gate number is approximate while the expansion continues, so follow the signs or ask staff. The Plaza Premium Lounge (after passport control, 24h), the Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine business lounge, and the Sheba Silver Lounge (opened 2024) each have a designated smoking room. Lighters are often confiscated at the transit re-screening, so plan to use the rooms.
Tips for Smokers at Ethiopian Airports
- Bole has airside smoking rooms — essential for the long Ethiopian Airlines layovers
- Do not bring a vape to Ethiopia — e-cigarettes are illegal and banned even in the smoking rooms
- Lighters are frequently confiscated at transit security; the smoking rooms usually have a way to light up
- Signage is inconsistent and the gate number is approximate while the expansion continues — follow the signs or ask staff for the smoking room