Ethiopian Airlines Unveils State-of-the-Art Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Elevating Luxury and Comfort for Travelers

Published on December 18, 2025

The Ethiopian Airlines Group, the biggest aviation group in Africa, has commissioned the opening of its elite lounge located within the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, marking a crucial step in the efforts by the air transport company to improve the services to their customers. The event was graced by senior government representatives, the Board Chairman, members, the executive management team, and customers in attendance.

With an expansive coverage of 5,500 m², the latest international-grade lounge is conceptualized to provide comfort, luxury, and convenience through careful design that takes into account the needs of passengers who are either on business or leisure travel. With the capacity to hold up to 1,000 passengers at one time, it is the biggest lounge at the airport and one of the most modern in the region.

Features of the Premium Lounge: Comfort and Convenience for Every Traveler

The Ethiopian Airlines premium lounge offers an array of amenities designed to provide top-tier comfort for all guests. Key features include:

• Dining and seating areas with a range of culinary options.
• Bars for relaxing and socializing.
• Ethiopian traditional coffee corner, offering an authentic cultural experience.
• Meeting rooms, providing a quiet and professional space for business travelers.
• Children’s room, catering to families traveling with young ones.
• Beauty lounge, prayer room, and quiet room for personal downtime.
• Smoking room, luggage room, and showers to ensure comfort during layovers.

The design of the facility combines locally inspired elements with modern aesthetics, offering a suitable environment for all types of travelers. Whether on a business trip or a leisure getaway, the lounge offers a seamless transition from the busy airport environment into a space of relaxation and convenience.

A Vision for Elevated Passenger Experience

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, highlighted the significance of the new lounge in the airline’s mission to continually enhance its passengers’ experience. “The opening of this new premium lounge represents a transformative step in our mission to elevate every part of the travel experience for our passengers,” he said. “This facility reflects our unwavering commitment to deliver an end-to-end, world-class hospitality to our customers.”

The lounge has been built with an investment of more than USD 16 million and serves as part of Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing investment in passenger experience, reinforcing its position as a global leader in aviation.

Access to the Lounge: Exclusive for Frequent Flyers

The premium lounge is now open to Platinum and Gold members of Ethiopian ShebaMiles, as well as Star Alliance Gold members and eligible frequent flyer program members of partner airlines. This reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to enhancing loyalty and providing exceptional services for frequent travelers.

With this latest addition, Ethiopian Airlines continues to establish itself as a leading player in global aviation, ensuring world-class services for passengers traveling through its hub at Addis Ababa.

Boosting Ethiopia’s Global Tourism and Economic Impact

The launch of the new premium lounge also has broader implications for Ethiopia’s tourism industry and economic growth. The development aligns with the government’s broader goals of boosting tourism and transforming Addis Ababa into a key global transit hub. By improving the airport experience, Ethiopian Airlines contributes to making Addis Ababa a major gateway for international travelers, enhancing the city’s profile in global tourism.

The expansion of airport amenities like this premium lounge is expected to increase tourism flows, support trade opportunities, and further elevate Ethiopia’s position as a leading destination for both business and leisure tourism in the Horn of Africa.

A Part of the Ongoing Growth at Ethiopian Airlines

This lounge marks a key milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ growth, following its global expansion efforts and a series of recent achievements, including being awarded the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Award for “World’s Best Leisure Airline”. The new lounge’s addition further underscores the airline’s commitment to offering exceptional services that go beyond just flying, but also offer a complete travel experience from start to finish.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its operations to more than 160 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, it is shaping the future of aviation in Africa, ensuring that its passengers enjoy luxury, comfort, and convenience at every step of their journey.

Ethiopia’s Growing Role in Global Aviation

The opening of the latest premium lounge in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is a major milestone in the progress of Ethiopian Airlines to become a market leader in the global aviation industry. The progress of Ethiopian Airlines, with a focus on providing world-class standards, is an aspect of the development of the Ethiopian tourism sector and its significance in the global economy. The new facility will enhance the travel experience for passengers while supporting Ethiopia’s position as a top international travel hub for both business and leisure tourism.