Government warns travellers over Addis Ababa altitude

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has issued a high-altitude travel advisory urging Nigerians, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to take precautions before transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The advisory follows reports of 16 deaths involving Nigerians in the city this year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the advisory in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Friday, November 13, 2026. The ministry said the deaths were reportedly linked to health complications associated with the high-altitude conditions in the Ethiopian capital.

Addis Ababa sits about 2,355 metres above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure means less oxygen is available. The ministry said healthy people can generally adapt to these conditions, but people with certain pre-existing conditions, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, may face higher health risks.

The Federal Government advised such travellers to seek appropriate medical advice before planning journeys that involve transit through the city.

The ministry stressed that the advisory is not intended to discourage Nigerians from travelling to or transiting through Addis Ababa. It said the notice aims to make sure travellers who may be vulnerable to the effects of altitude are informed and can take precautions.

Addis Ababa is a major transit point for Nigerian travellers connecting to destinations in Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines.