Cheap flights to Addis Ababa

Flights from the UK to Addis Ababa

Most tourists take flights from the UK to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. This is one of the most hassle-free choices for UK tourists flying to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa is a modern and technologically rich city, blending significant historical landmarks and contemporary buildings.

With Exclusive Flights, flying from the UK to Addis Ababa is easier than ever. Complete the booking process using our booking widget and filters. You can also contact our customer support team, who eagerly waits for you to consult for expert advice. You only need to organise your required documents and watch the weather. Before booking a flight from the UK to Ethiopia's capital, here's everything you should consider.

Airports Serving Flights Between the UK and Addis Ababa

With the convenience of Bole International Airport, travelling to Addis Ababa from the UK is a doddle.

Bole International Airport (ADD)

Bole International Airport is a major airport in Addis Ababa, with all the facilities you could require in an airport. You can get whatever you need from duty-free stores and restaurants at the airport. In the mood for good news? The airport is only 15 to 30 minutes from the city centre. So you won't have to spend a fortune on transportation to reach the city centre from the airport.

Major Airports in the UK

You can easily access direct or connecting flights from all the major UK airports.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow should be your first preference if you want your journey to be quicker by a direct flight.

Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is an international airport in Ringway, Manchester, England, 7 miles south-west of Manchester city centre. If you are in Machester, then this airport is your exclusive choice.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Addis Ababa

Getting cheap flights from the UK to any African country is no rocket science. You can treat yourself to a low-budget trip to Addis Ababa from the UK with some tips and tricks. Here's everything you need to know to book cheap flights.

Book Early

You must have heard about early bird booking. If not, it's when travellers book six months to even one year in advance. This technique immensely helps travellers get flights at cheaper rates. Besides, it gives them ample time to prepare for the journey, plan it, and pack accordingly.

Choose Red-Eye Flights

The red-eye flight departs at night and reaches its destination in the morning. Because of its unusual flight hours, people avoid taking night-time flights. Therefore, tickets for red-eye flights are comparatively cheaper than regular flights.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Travel in the off-peak season, days, and even hours. Avoid travelling during the weekends. If you plan to travel from the UK to Addis Ababa, travel during June-September for cheaper flight rates.

Compare Flight Rates

It is always wise to compare flight rates from multiple airlines before booking with one. You can use different search engines, such as Google Flights, which is free and easy to use.

Indirect Flights

These are the types of flights that make a stop or two at some other country. They are usually cheaper in rates than direct flights. Almost every airline offers indirect flights.

Flight Duration

An indirect flight from London to Addis Ababa takes about 11-15 hours or more, depending on the duration of the layover.

Most common stopovers

Here are some common stopovers in an indirect flight from the UK to Addis Ababa.

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish Airlines makes a stopover in Istanbul. It can last from 4 to 8 hours.

Dubai, UAE

If you travel through Emirates Airlines, you'll have a layover in Dubai. It can be 1.5 hours to more than 12 hours long.

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines typically stop in Nairobi. The layover can last 1-8 hours.

A layover in any other country is the perfect opportunity for travellers to explore the city, observe its culture, and enjoy their time in a different place.

Direct Flights

Direct flights are limited in number and offered by only a few airlines. They don't stop in any country and fly non-stop from the UK to Addis Ababa. They are usually more expensive than indirect flights.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines offers direct flights to Addis Ababa. A direct flight from London to Addis Ababa takes about eight hours.

Essential Travel Preparation Tips

Preparing for the journey beforehand is essential to avoid inconvenience. Here are some key preparation tips for a smooth and hassle-free trip to Addis Ababa.

Plan Your Itinerary

Enlist the places you want to visit and prioritise the ones you want to explore from most to least important. If you wish to enjoy the traditional foods or go to the national museum in Addis Ababa, estimate the budget and set it aside for their purposes.

Organise the documents

Organise all the essential documents, such as your passport, ID Card, Visa, and vaccination cards (if needed), in a file. Take their pictures, organise them in a PDF, and save the file on your phone.

Check the Weather

Because of Ethiopia's geographical location, its weather cycle differs from Europe's. When packing, it's essential to consider the weather and season of your destination.

Know Addis Ababa Better

Try to get to know Addis Ababa better before planning the trip. Know their language, currency, and traditions, but most importantly, understand their culture to avoid unconsciously offending or hurting their beliefs.

Dialect

Addis Ababa people speak Amharic, Tigrigna, Afar, Somali, and Oromo, with Amharic being the primary language. Learning the basics of Amharic will be helpful if you're not travelling with the local guide for a stress-free experience.

Dress-Code

There is no specific dress code. However, dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as Lalibela Churches, Debre Damo Monastery, and The Church of St. George.

Traditional Foods

Injera, Doro Wat, Kitfo, and Tibs are some of the most famous Ethiopian traditional cuisines. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions, check the ingredients before eating.

Currency

The Ethiopian Birr (ብር) is the country's official currency. Take some extra cash because vendors and small markets don't accept credit card transactions.

Average Flight Costs from the UK to Addis Ababa

Flight rates from the UK to Addis Ababa depend on various factors, such as season, city, airline, and flight type. However, on average, a flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) costs about £540-£2155.

Why Visit Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa is an incredible holiday destination with an outstanding history and rich culture. From fine dining to street food, there are many ways to treat your taste buds with delicious Ethiopian cuisine. Whether you want to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, visit the local markets or see our ancestor, Lucy, in the National Museum of Ethiopia, it offers something for everyone.

Multiple airlines provide connecting flights from the UK to Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines offers direct flights from London to Addis Ababa if you want to travel by direct flight. Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) is in Ethiopia's capital and has all the necessary facilities. So, book your flight, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey.

FAQs

Which airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Addis Ababa?

Ethiopian Airlines offers a direct flight of around eight hours from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Addis Ababa Airport (ADD).

Is booking a flight to Addis Ababa during the rainy season (June-September) wise?

Whether it is wise or not to book a flight to Addis Ababa during the rainy season depends on personal preferences and budget. If you're travelling on a budget, the rainy season is the cheapest time of the year to travel to the capital of Ethiopia. However, be prepared for unexpected rain bursts and pack according to the weather.

Moreover, due to poor infrastructure, you'll be limited to access certain areas during the rainy season.

What is the luggage policy for flights from the UK to Addis Ababa?

The luggage policy depends on the airline you choose to travel with. However, it's typically one piece of checked bag of 23 kgs for the economy and two pieces of checked bags of 32 kgs individually per person.

Can I get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa during the on-peak season (October-May)?

Although challenging, securing low-priced tickets to Addis Ababa during the off-peak season is possible. You can get a low-priced flight ticket from the UK to Addis Ababa by comparing flight rates and booking six to eight months in advance.