FAQ

I never flew with Ethiopian Airlines before; can you give me information about your services?

Ethiopian Airlines has started business in 1946, i.e. more than 65 years ago. Created under the support of American TWA, it soon took control of all the processes, developing an aircraft maintenance service so sophisticated that it is offered to many other African airlines. A state-of-the-art training center that includes a flight simulator for Boeing 767/757/737 is utilized by pilots from all over the world makes the international profile of the airline very high. For these and many other reasons, Ethiopian Airlines has been awarded with various important international prizes as best African and international carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines is an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified carrier. This certification is given exclusively to those carriers that pass and obey a very strict international safety protocol. For more information please read here.

What type of aircraft do you employ on your routes?

Ethiopian Airlines is currently operating with Boeing 777, 767, 757 and 737, waiting for the delivery of the new B-787 Dreamliners. We were the first African carrier to place an order for this aircraft and one the first in the world. Unfortunately a delivery delay on Boeing's side is keeping us waiting but we should get this airplane before the end of 2011.

For the inter-African and domestic routes we use Fokker 50 and latest model of Bombardier Q400.

A. Is visa necessary to travel to Ethiopia? How can I get one from Italy?

Passengers holding an Italian passport can obtain a tourist visa valid for one month upon arrival at Addis Ababa airport, at the cost of $ 20. It is necessary to carry two passport photographs along. For more information or other needs please contact the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome at 06 4416161.

B. Transit visa to Ethiopia

If I need to change aircraft in Addis Ababa, do I need to obtain a transit visa for Ethiopia before departure?

It is not necessary if the transit does not exceed 12 hours. Differently, please contact the Ethiopian Embassy or our offices for more information.

I would like to travel in your business class (C-9) but I hold an economy class ticket. How do I do?     

A promotion is available: you can purchase an upgrade to business class (subject to space availability) at the airport. The cost for the Rome-Addis Ababa route is € 300. For other sectors and more information please contact our booking offices

I have to spend one night in Addis Ababa before continuing on my journey. Is the hotel paid by Ethiopian Airlines?

This is authorized only at special conditions that vary depending on each case (situation and fare-wise). Please contact our offices for further information.

Is it possible to purchase a ticket at Fiumicino or Malpensa Airport?

Not at present. However, it is possible to do so at the Flight Care Ticket Office, that will collect an issuance fee. Instead, it is possible to pay for excess baggage and class upgrading at our airport booth.

Where are your check-in desks located?

All information regarding check-in at Rome Fiumicino can be found here and for Milan Malpensa here.

What do I need to do in case I need to modify my ticket/travel dates?

If the ticket was issued by Ethiopian Airlines you shall contact our offices. If it was issued by a travel agency, then they will make the necessary arrangements with our offices, collecting what due.

Can I buy a ticket without fixing a definite date of departure and/or return?

It is not possible to do so. However by purchasing a medium-high price ticket you can get one with very few restrictions that will enable you to make as many changes you like, regardless the fact that it must be fixed on a given date at the time of issuance.

What shall I do if I want to carry my pet along?

Please read the information contained here. 

Where can I book and purchase Ethiopian tickets?

If you have an internet connection and wish to leave from Rome or from another departure point of Ethiopian you might find it convenient to book and purchase your ticket online (see next item for restrictions). Otherwise, Ethiopian tickets are available practically through all travel agents in Italy. We have our own offices in Rome and Milan but your physical presence will be necessary at the moment of paying for your ticket/s. Therefore, we suggest for your convenience that booking and purchasing is arranged at a near location. Bookings cannot be transferred from agents to airline or v.v.

How much shall I pay if I have excess luggage?

Please read the information contained here.

What can I carry along in cabin?

Please read the information contained here.

Can I see the cabin seat map and get information about the seating pitch?

Yes, please check this link for each aircraft.

Can I subscribe to Sheba Miles online?

Yes, you can do so here.

What African countries require a visa? What vaccinations are mandatory?

Please contact the relevant embassy or our offices for information before travelling. Unfortunately each country has its own rules that tend to change frequently. However, some information can be found here.

A. Is it possible to change Euro at Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport)?

Yes

B. Can I use an Italian mobile phone in Ethiopia?

Yes

C. Can I buy a local mobile phone SIM card in Ethiopia?   

This option is limited to residents of Ethiopia for the time being.