Ethiopian Airlines ist aktuell der einzige Star Alliance Carrier, welcher regelmässig Sansibar anfliegt. Im Rahmen meiner Reise nach SansibEthiopian Airlines is currently the only Star Alliance carrier regularly flying to Zanzibar. During my Zanzibar trip, a stopover in Addis Ababa was required. In non-pandemic times, I would have preferred a day layover with city sightseeing.

Ethiopian coffee lounge with wooden tables and patterned cushions

General Information Airline / Airport

The international lounges in Addis Ababa are operated by Ethiopian Airlines in the new Terminal 2. While Terminal 2 is operational, construction is not fully complete. Passengers with international connections can pass security without passport control. Shortly after security, there was a general power outage across the entire airport lasting about 10 seconds. This reminds you that you’re not in Europe.

Location

The new Business Class and Star Alliance Gold Lounge is next to Gate B13. From the transfer security checkpoint, it’s reachable in about 5 walking minutes and offers views of the parking lot and a small part of the city.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Lounge with red carpet and pillars

Star Alliance Business Class Lounge sign with logos of Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines

Access

Access to the Business Class Lounge is for passengers booked in Business Class on a Star Alliance flight. Holders of a Star Alliance Gold card can enter the Star Gold Lounge.

Lounge with plant and illuminated tables

Lounge with orange chairs and colorful wall tapestry

Sign for lounge with icons for different rooms and services

Lounge Layout

Entry is through a generously and brightly designed service desk. On the left side, there’s a coffee corner showcasing Ethiopia’s coffee culture. The lounge is very spacious to accommodate passengers expected during morning and evening waves. It offers prayer rooms, showers, sleeping rooms, as well as dining and lounge areas.

Since the lounge is relatively new, the furniture quality and general condition are still good. Upon closer inspection, the expert eye notices some cosmetic flaws that wouldn’t be acceptable in Europe.

The signage to individual areas is very good.

Service

Unfortunately, the showers are not regularly operational. Since I had a longer waiting time and happened to meet a staff member, I was lucky and could use the shower. The showers and toilets are very clean and probably regularly maintained, but a construction expert would frown at the improvisations.

The food is spatially separated: cold dishes like salads and fruits are in one room, while hot dishes are presented together in another. The food has local and international components and is tasty.

Unlike the drink selection in Germany and Switzerland, there were no shortages with soft drinks.

The bar also offers lounge-worthy alcoholic beverages.

Fruit platter with fruit and cakes on a buffet table

Buffet with stacks of plates and warm lighting elements in the airport lounge

Lounge with piano and seating arrangements

Bar

Bar with bottle shelves and stools in lounge area

Comment

Addis Ababa is definitely a good alternative to Gulf carriers as a transfer airport for travel to the southern half of Africa, regarding flight times. Flights from Europe to South Africa can be split into six-hour segments, which is particularly pleasant in Economy.