Sixteen Nigerians with underlying illnesses have died this year during layovers in the Ethiopian capital. Situated 2,334 meters above sea level, Addis Ababa is among the highest capital cities globally, and its airport serves as a primary international hub connecting Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Medical experts warn that lower oxygen levels at this altitude place intense stress on the heart and lungs, potentially triggering heart failure. While Nigerian officials are not barring transit through Bole International Airport, they are urging vulnerable citizens to consult medical professionals prior to booking flights.
Key points
Travelers with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses face heightened physi…: Travelers with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses face heightened physiological risks from reduced oxygen at high altitudes.
Nigerian officials advised at-risk citizens to obtain professional medical advice before…: Nigerian officials advised at-risk citizens to obtain professional medical advice before scheduling travel through the Ethiopian capital.
The advisory is intended to promote traveler safety rather than discourage general passen…: The advisory is intended to promote traveler safety rather than discourage general passenger traffic through the major regional transit hub.
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- Published
Nigeria's government has cautioned its citizens, in particular those with medical conditions, against travelling via Ethiopia's main airport due to its altitude.
The foreign ministry in Abuja said 16 Nigerians with underlying health problems had died this year while transiting through Addis Ababa.
The city sits at an altitude of 2,334m (7,657ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Bole International Airport is a major hub for travel between Africa, the Middle East and Asia, serving millions of passengers a year.
Nigeria said those with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions were at an increased risk.
The Nigerian foreign ministry did not disclose the identities of the travellers it said had died, nor the cause of death.
It urged anyone with a health condition exacerbated by high altitudes to "exercise caution" when planning a journey via Addis Ababa and "obtain appropriate medical guidance" before doing so.
The ministry stressed that it did not want to discourage Nigerians from travelling through the Ethiopian capital.
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