Nigeria’s government has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to avoid traveling through Ethiopia’s primary airport due to high altitude risks. The warning follows the reported deaths of 16 Nigerian travelers with underlying health problems while transiting through Addis Ababa this year.
Altitude Risks at Bole International Airport
Addis Ababa sits at an elevation of 2,334 meters (7,657 feet) above sea level, positioning it among the highest capital cities globally. Bole International Airport functions as a critical transit hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, handling millions of passengers annually. The Nigerian foreign ministry stated that individuals suffering from cardiovascular and respiratory conditions face heightened risks at this elevation.
The foreign ministry in Abuja did not reveal the specific identities of the travelers who died or the precise causes of death. Officials advised anyone whose health condition could be worsened by elevated altitudes to exercise caution when organizing trips through Addis Ababa and to seek proper medical advice beforehand. At the same time, the ministry emphasized that the advisory is not intended to stop Nigerians from utilizing the Ethiopian capital as a transit route.
Medical Impact of High Altitudes
Medical experts note that visiting high-altitude locations poses severe hazards for individuals with heart and lung illnesses. Because the air is thinner, less oxygen enters the bloodstream. The American Heart Association explains that this forces the heart to exert more effort to supply sufficient oxygen throughout the body, potentially triggering heart failure in vulnerable patients.
Studies indicate that lower oxygen levels at high elevations can also induce symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath in healthy individuals, which can escalate into serious complications for people with pre-existing lung diseases.
