Nigeria cautions against travel via Ethiopia’s main airport due to altitude

Nigeria's government has issued a warning to its citizens, especially those with medical conditions, against traveling through Ethiopia's main airport, Bole International, due to its high altitude. The foreign ministry in Abuja reported that 16 Nigerians with pre-existing health issues have passed away this year while transiting through Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital located at an altitude of 2,334 meters (7,657 feet).

Bole International Airport is a major hub for travel between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, handling millions of passengers annually. The Nigerian foreign ministry stated that individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are at a higher risk due to the thin air at high altitudes, which reduces oxygen intake and puts additional strain on the heart.

The ministry advised those with health conditions exacerbated by altitude to exercise caution and seek appropriate medical guidance before traveling. While the ministry did not disclose the identities of the deceased travelers or the causes of their deaths, it emphasized that it aimed to prevent Nigerians from being discouraged from visiting Addis Ababa.

High altitudes can pose dangers for people with heart and lung diseases, as the thinner air makes it harder for the heart to deliver sufficient oxygen to the body, potentially leading to heart failure in those with existing conditions. Even healthy individuals may experience adverse effects at high altitudes, such as dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which can complicate lung diseases.