Domestic Flights in Ethiopia: Schedules & Tourist Connections
Because of Ethiopia’s vast size and mountainous geography, driving between distant destinations can take multiple days. Flying is the most efficient, safe, and comfortable way to travel between regions. Ethiopian Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance and Africa’s leading carrier, operates a comprehensive domestic flight network linking the capital city of Addis Ababa with all major historical and natural tourist destinations.
Important Money-Saving Tip: If you book your international flights to Addis Ababa using Ethiopian Airlines, you are eligible for up to a 50% discount on all domestic flight tickets when booked under the same reservation name. At Lucy Ethiopia Tours, we coordinate and secure these discounted tickets for you as part of your complete travel itinerary.
| Destination | Flight No | Dep Time | Arr Time | Frequency | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lalibela (LLI) | ET 122 | 07:45 AM | 08:45 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Lalibela (LLI) | ET 120 | 11:40 AM | 12:40 PM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Gondar (GDQ) | ET 124 | 09:30 AM | 10:35 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Gondar (GDQ) | ET 126 | 02:40 PM | 03:45 PM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Bahir Dar (BJR) | ET 180 | 08:00 AM | 09:00 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Bahir Dar (BJR) | ET 182 | 03:30 PM | 04:30 PM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Mekele / Danakil (MQX) | ET 100 | 07:15 AM | 08:35 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Axum (AXU) | ET 128 | 07:00 AM | 08:30 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Semera / Danakil (SZE) | ET 164 | 01:30 PM | 02:40 PM | Mon, Wed, Fri | Scheduled |
| Goba / Bale (GOB) | ET 150 | 08:00 AM | 09:10 AM | Tue, Thu, Sat | Scheduled |
| Awassa / Hawassa (AWA) | ET 118 | 10:15 AM | 11:00 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Jimma (JIM) | ET 105 | 12:45 PM | 01:45 PM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Arba Minch (AMH) | ET 135 | 11:00 AM | 12:05 PM | Daily | Scheduled |
| Dire Dawa / Harar (DIR) | ET 200 | 08:30 AM | 09:30 AM | Daily | Scheduled |
Booking & Ticket Discount
To qualify for the 50% domestic flight discount, your international tickets and domestic tickets must be booked using the same airline database. We recommend booking all flights together online or providing your international reservation code (PNR) to our travel team so we can book the local flights with the discount applied directly.
Baggage Allowances
Domestic flights have a standard checked baggage allowance of 20kg (44 lbs) and a carry-on allowance of 7kg (15 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is charged at a small rate per kilogram. Please note that customs officers at Bole Airport closely inspect and regulate lithium batteries, heavy camera equipment, and drones.
Airport Security & Arrivals
Domestic flights depart from Terminal 1 at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Arrive at Terminal 1 at least 2 hours before your flight departure. Security checks are thorough: you must remove shoes, belts, watches, and laptops. On return, domestic luggage is claimed quickly at the arrivals area.
Airport Transits & Shuttles
Addis Ababa Bole Airport is a modern facility. International flights arrive at Terminal 2, and domestic connections depart from Terminal 1. The two terminals are connected by an indoor walkway. Airport shuttles and taxis are widely available outside the exit doors, and we provide private airport pickups for our guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the 50% domestic flight discount?
To secure the discount, your international flights to Ethiopia must be operated by Ethiopian Airlines (ticket numbers beginning with 071). When booking domestic flights online or through our tour agency, you must link your international booking code (PNR) to verify eligibility.
Can I bring a drone on domestic flights?
Drones are heavily regulated. You cannot fly a drone in Ethiopia without written permits from the Civil Aviation Authority and INSA. Unregistered drones will be held by airport customs at Bole Airport. If they have already cleared customs, they can be carried on domestic flights but must not be operated without permits.
What is the baggage limit for local flights?
The standard allowance is 20kg (44 lbs) for checked bags and 7kg (15 lbs) for one piece of hand luggage. Excess baggage fees can be paid in cash Birr at the check-in desk if your bags exceed these limits.
Does Lucy Ethiopia Tours handle domestic flight bookings?
Yes. As a fully licensed local tour operator, we can handle, book, and issue all of your domestic flight connections. We will coordinate your flight dates and times to align perfectly with your tour guides and airport transfer shuttles, ensuring a hassle-free vacation.
Want Us to Coordinate Your Flights?
Our travel designers will organize your domestic flights, apply your 50% ticket discount, and arrange all guides and shuttle transfers. Submit an inquiry today.