The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory warning citizens with pre-existing medical conditions about travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising questions for Kenyan travellers.
The concern from the Nigerian authorities follows the deaths of 16 of its nations transiting through the city this year.
In a statement issued late on Friday, November 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned travellers with underlying medical conditions to “exercise caution and seek medical advice before undertaking journeys involving the Ethiopian capital”.
Nigeria’s Embassy in Addis Ababa has recorded 16 deaths involving Nigerians transiting through the city, reportedly linked to health complications associated with high altitude.
Addis Ababa is located approximately 2,355 metres above sea level, roughly the same elevation as Nyahururu at 2,303 metres and Limuru in the Nairobi metropolitan area, which has an identical elevation to Addis.
According to the Health Ministry, lower atmospheric pressure at this elevation reduces oxygen availability, potentially exposing some travellers to health complications.
It specifically identified cardiovascular and respiratory conditions as ailments that could be worsened by reduced oxygen availability.
The advisory could also be of interest to Kenyan travellers who use Addis Ababa as a connecting point for international flights.
The Ethiopian capital is a major aviation hub, with Ethiopian Airlines operating connections between African destinations and international markets.
