Addis Ababa to Istanbul (ADD–IST) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
ADD–IST is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines lead the route. The flight covers 2,315 miles in approximately 5h 33m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ET Ethiopian Airlines | 14 | 7M8, 7M9 | 5h30-5h45 | – | Star Alliance | – |
| TK Turkish Airlines | 6 | 7M9 | 5h25 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
ADD: EAT · IST: +03
When it's 6:00 PM in Addis Ababa, it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul.
Ethiopian passport holders can apply for an eVisa through the official Turkish eVisa portal (evisa.gov.tr). The single-entry tourist eVisa costs USD 50 and allows a 30-day stay within a 180-day period. Processing is instant. You receive the eVisa by email within minutes. Print it and carry it with your passport.
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your entry date and at least 1 blank page. No invitation letter, hotel booking, or financial proof is required for the eVisa application itself. Turkish immigration may ask for proof of accommodation and return ticket at the border, so have these ready.
Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Addis Ababa to Istanbul, about 5.5 hours. Istanbul Airport (IST) is also a major transit hub, so if you are connecting through Turkey without leaving the airport, no visa is needed. The eVisa is only required if you clear immigration. Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). ATMs are everywhere. Many shops also accept EUR and USD, but the exchange rate will be poor.
M11 Metro to Gayrettepe takes about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart) with connections to M2 (Taksim) and M7. Runs from 5am to midnight. The metro bypasses O-7 motorway traffic, which is frequently heavy into the city.Havaist buses serve major destinations including Taksim, Kadıköy (European and Asian sides), and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (₺50–80). Taxis from arrivals are metered; insist on the meter. Journey to Sultanahmet or Taksim costs ₺400–700 depending on traffic. Rental cars available. Hotel shuttles common for business hotels near the city.
The new airport sits 35km from central Istanbul on the European side, slightly inland and exposed to Black Sea weather systems. Winters (December–March) are cold (0–8°C) with fog, rain, and occasional snow. Snow on the exposed plateau is more likely than in the city. Ice on taxiways causes delays.
Summers are warm (25–32°C) with dry, reliable weather. Spring and fall bring heavy rain and strong northerly winds (Poyraz) that can affect smaller aircraft. Fog is the primary low-season disruption risk. The airport's elevated position makes it slightly windier than the Atatürk site it replaced.
ADD–IST Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from ADD to IST
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and İstanbul Airport (IST) are connected by nonstop service from Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. With 20 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
ADD to IST Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from ADD to IST is about 5 hours 33 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 2,315 miles (3,725 km). There are approximately 20 weekly flights outbound and 28 return, totaling 48 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via King Abdulaziz, Cairo and Beirut Rafic Hariri. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.