Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Smoking policy at Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Warnings & Caveats
Lighters will be confiscated by security if not well hidden among other metal stuff. Vaping, Heat not Burn and E-Cigs with tobacco are also banned.
ADD can be a little tricky for smokers. There are smoking rooms in the terminals but lighters and vapes are treated more harshly here than most airports. Lighters in particular are sometimes confiscated at security screening if you are passing through another screening point in transit.
Before Security
In most cases, the only smoking allowed before security is outside the terminal buildings in designated smoking areas which are the safest option if you arrive at the airport early and want to smoke prior to entering the secure area.
If you are through security and in the airport, do not go outside until you have time to go back through security.
After Security
After clearing security, smoking facilities can mostly be found in Terminal 2, where most international departures are located, with only one smoking room in Terminal 1. Most traveler reports are on Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 has a smoking room in the international departures section between Gates A11 and A12, although it is not easy to spot. To find it, go away from the main gate corridor and towards the shopping corridor, then follow signs for the prayer rooms. The smoking room is located behind the screen, around the corner past the prayer rooms, and behind Craving's restaurant/bar.
There is also an alleged smoking room near Gate 16, which was created during renovations of the airport. Premium passengers may also use smoking rooms in Ethiopian Airlines' business lounges, which are accessible to its business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
The Plaza Premium Lounge also has a smoking section, which is only accessible by eligible lounge guests or those paying for access. The Cloud Nine Lounge may have a smoking room, which could be accessible either by eligible lounge guests or those paying for access.
Vaping and Lighters at ADD
Vaping is taken more seriously than smoking at Addis Ababa Bole; e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, and tobacco-based vaping products are reportedly banned throughout the airport. Do not assume that you can vape in the smoking rooms unless told otherwise by airport authorities.
Another issue with lighters is their presence in security-designated areas or following pre-gate screening for passengers who leave the terminal to smoke and have to re-enter via other security screening at the departure gate area.
Practical Advice
For international flight departures, your best post-security smoking opportunities in Terminal 2 are in front of and to the side of Gates A11-A12, the corridor to the prayer room, and the lounges, if you have access.
Allow plenty of time for your flight as transit times may be longer than expected. If carrying only a lighter, be careful as you might have to pass through security when returning to your gate. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and vaping should only be done if explicitly permitted by airport personnel.
