Nigeria issues altitude health advisory for at-risk travellers transiting through Ethiopia

The Nigerian government has issued a health advisory for citizens with pre-existing medical conditions who transit through Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, during flights. This comes after the deaths of 16 Nigerian passengers this year who suffered from heart and lung ailments while travelling through the Ethiopian highlands. The foreign ministry did not disclose the identities or medical causes of the deceased, but the warning emphasized the heightened dangers of the region’s extreme altitude.

Nigerian diplomats urged at-risk travelers to obtain appropriate medical guidance before their journeys, despite hoping to maintain open transit routes through the strategic Bole International Airport. This hub serves as a critical connection point for African, Middle Eastern, and Asian travelers, and medical recommendations apply broadly to West African and continental passengers who face sudden altitude changes.

Situated at 2,334 meters (7,657 feet) above sea level, Addis Ababa’s thin atmosphere significantly reduces oxygen intake for those with pre-existing conditions. Airline regulations require passengers with severe medical issues to submit medical clearance forms before travel, enabling airlines to provide supplementary oxygen or medical escorts.

High-altitude transit poses risks such as heart failure and severe fatigue, even for healthy individuals. Medical travel experts advise all passengers with compromised heart and lung functions to consult physicians before flying through high-elevation hubs.