Ethiopian Airlines Unveils Largest Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole, Elevating Hub Experience

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest aviation group, has officially opened its new premium lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s ongoing commitment to world-class passenger experiences. The unveiling ceremony, attended by high-level government officials, board members, executive management, stakeholders, and customers, signals a transformative leap in the airport’s hospitality offering and sets a new benchmark for premium ground services in Africa’s aviation sector [[1]](https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/).

Spanning an impressive 5,500 square meters, the new facility is now the largest lounge at the airport and one of the most comprehensive in the region. With a total investment exceeding USD 16 million, the lounge is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers at any given time, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s status as a leading continental hub for both business and leisure travelers[[2]](https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopian-airlines-opens-premium-lounge-at-addis-ababa-bole.html).

The lounge’s design blends locally inspired elements with modern aesthetics, creating a welcoming environment that caters to the diverse needs of global travelers. Guests can enjoy a wide array of amenities, including dining and seating areas, bars, an Ethiopian traditional coffee corner, meeting rooms, a children’s room, beauty lounge, prayer room, quiet room, smoking room, luggage room, and showers [[3]](https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/Press-release-open-page/ethiopian-airlines-inaugurates-new-premium-lounge-at-addis-ababa-bole-international-airport)[[4]](https://airlinergs.com/ethiopian-airlines-inaugurates-new-premium-lounge-at-addis-ababa-bole-international-airport/)[[5]](https://greattravelmagazine.com/2025/12/22/ethiopian-airlines-inaugurates-new-premium-lounge-at-addis-ababa-bole-international-airport/)[[6]](https://ethiopianmonitor.com/2025/12/17/ethiopian-airlines-unveils-new-premium-lounge-at-its-addis-ababa-hub/). This comprehensive suite of facilities ensures that every traveler—whether seeking relaxation, productivity, or family-friendly spaces—finds a tailored experience that enhances their journey through Addis Ababa.

Commenting on the launch, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the new lounge: “The opening of this new Premium lounge represents a transformative step in our mission to elevate every part of the travel experience for our passengers. Combining comfort, convenience, and luxury, the facility is set to take traveling through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to the next level. This move further reflects our unwavering commitment to deliver an end-to-end, world-class hospitality to our customers.” [[7]](https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_7936618)

The lounge is now accessible to Platinum and Gold members of the Ethiopian ShebaMiles loyalty program, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible frequent flyer program members of partner airlines. This inclusivity ensures that a broad spectrum of premium travelers can benefit from the enhanced services, whether they are connecting from one of Ethiopian’s more than 145 global destinations or beginning their journey in Addis Ababa.

For African travel professionals, the opening of this state-of-the-art lounge is a clear signal of the growing sophistication and competitiveness of the continent’s aviation infrastructure. The facility not only elevates the passenger experience but also strengthens Addis Ababa’s position as a preferred transit point for travelers moving between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

With its blend of comfort, convenience, and local flavor, Ethiopian Airlines’ new premium lounge is poised to become a flagship attraction for the region’s aviation sector—offering a compelling value proposition for frequent flyers, business travelers, and leisure guests alike. As the airline continues to invest in both its fleet and ground services, the new lounge stands as a testament to Ethiopian’s vision of delivering seamless, world-class journeys for Africa’s growing community of global travelers.