The Federal Government has raised concerns over the health implications of travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following reports that 16 Nigerians died in the country this year from complications believed to be associated with the city’s high-altitude environment.
The government has consequently advised Nigerians, particularly those managing existing health conditions, to exercise caution when making travel arrangements that involve passing through the Ethiopian capital.
The warning was made public through a travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, November 13, 2026. The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the ministry, the reported deaths have brought attention to the possible dangers that the city’s geographical conditions could pose to certain categories of travellers, especially those whose health conditions make them more susceptible to changes in oxygen availability.
Unlike many major international transit destinations located closer to sea level, Addis Ababa sits at an elevation of approximately 2,355 metres, equivalent to about 7,726 feet.
At this height, atmospheric pressure is considerably lower than what the human body experiences at lower elevations. Consequently, the amount of oxygen available with each breath is reduced, potentially placing additional demands on the body’s normal functioning.
The ministry explained that although people in good health can generally adjust to such environmental conditions, the situation may be more complicated for individuals with particular medical challenges.
People living with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were specifically identified as being among those who may face greater difficulties when exposed to high-altitude conditions.
For such individuals, reduced oxygen availability could aggravate existing health problems and increase the possibility of medical complications during travel.
The Federal Government therefore wants Nigerians to consider their medical circumstances before choosing flight routes that require them to stop over or connect through Addis Ababa.
In the advisory, the government urged affected passengers to consult qualified medical professionals before travelling, particularly where their existing conditions could be worsened by the city’s altitude.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes to advise Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical advice when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in view of the potential health risks associated with the city’s high-altitude terrain,” the statement read.
The ministry’s position suggests that travellers should not treat international flight arrangements as a purely financial or logistical decision, particularly when their health circumstances could make certain destinations or transit locations more challenging.
It also highlights the importance of seeking medical guidance before embarking on journeys that involve spending time in environments with significantly different geographical conditions.
Government clarifies purpose of travel advisory
Despite raising concerns about the reported fatalities, the Federal Government has clarified that its advisory should not be understood as an attempt to discourage Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia.
The ministry explained that the notice was primarily intended to provide information that would help vulnerable travellers understand the possible health implications of spending time in Addis Ababa.
It stressed that the government was not imposing a general restriction on Nigerians using the Ethiopian capital as a transit point.
Rather, the objective is to ensure that passengers who may be affected by high-altitude conditions are sufficiently informed and take appropriate precautions before travelling.
This clarification is particularly important because Addis Ababa remains a popular connecting destination for Nigerians travelling internationally.
For many passengers, choosing a connecting flight through the Ethiopian capital is often part of their preferred travel arrangements because of the extensive international network operated by Ethiopian Airlines.
However, the latest warning introduces an additional consideration for passengers who may have to spend several hours in the city while waiting for connecting flights.
The ministry also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s responsibility to protect the welfare of Nigerians living, working or travelling outside the country.
It said the government would continue to make relevant travel information available to citizens to enable them to take informed decisions and avoid preventable risks while abroad.
Addis Ababa remains a major international transit hub
The warning comes at a time when Addis Ababa continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s most important aviation centres.
The Ethiopian capital serves as the headquarters and principal operating base of Ethiopian Airlines, one of the continent’s leading international carriers.
Its airport provides connections between African destinations and major cities across Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, making it an important transit location for passengers from Nigeria and other African countries.
Data from December 2025 placed Addis Ababa Bole International Airport among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seat capacity.
The airport recorded approximately 1.17 million departing seats during the month, securing the third position on the continental ranking.
This represented a 5.5 per cent increase from the 1.11 million seats recorded in December 2024, reflecting the continued growth in passenger capacity and aviation activities at the facility.
Its position within the international aviation network means that thousands of travellers depend on the airport when connecting between different continents.
For Nigerian passengers, particularly those travelling to destinations without convenient direct flights, Addis Ababa offers an important connection point.
Nevertheless, the Federal Government’s latest advisory indicates that travellers should pay attention to more than ticket prices, flight schedules and connecting times when selecting international routes.
Passengers with existing heart or lung conditions are particularly encouraged to discuss their travel plans with healthcare professionals to determine whether the altitude could present additional risks.
The government has not announced a blanket ban on flights through Ethiopia. Its message is that Nigerians should understand the possible health implications, seek appropriate medical guidance and make travel decisions with their personal wellbeing in mind.
The advisory follows the reported deaths of 16 Nigerians in Ethiopia this year, bringing renewed attention to the importance of health awareness among international travellers.
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