Addis Ababa – Nov 2019

 

LANDSIDE
No Views

 

AIRSIDE
Windows allow views of the main apron and runway. The terminal has been extended and individual gate areas removed so there is full window front access. Most stuff taxiing can be seen with your eyes. I did sneak a few photos. Not sure what security is like here.

​

​

HOTELS
Bole Skygate Hotel - A couple of hundred meters  back from the terminal. All movements can be seen and read off. The terminal blocks views of most stands but everything can be seen on the taxiways or runway either side of it. The top floor is the breakfast / bar/ restaurant area. The staff had no problems with me using binoculars and camera. The 5th floor rooms provide similar views. 508, 509 and 510. 507 is a corner room and may have a view. If  not it would have a slightly side on view and all movements would be seen, but probably not read off.

 

I booked directly with the hotel by email for $55. They confirmed early check in and a 5th floor airport facing room would be available when I booked it and lived upto that when I arrived. I was in my room by 8am. Beers on the top floor are 27 Ethiopian which is $1. They tried charging me 2 so I asked reception to convert.

​

​

WHAT TO EXPECT 
Ethiopian account for 99% of movements. Not sure why but very little else comes here.

​

They have a morning rush when pretty much all there DHC8s and B737s can be seen along with maybe half of the bigger aircraft. The problem with that is there was nothing but DHC8s and B737s due in until 8pm so after 10am I made nothing.

​

This place has been cleaned up significantly with most of the stored aircraft gone. The only thing that remains is B707 5Y-BBK which is derelict and just off the airport. It can be seen from the hotel but can easily be missed when arriving or departing as its down a hill. Check google maps for its location.