Nigeria's government has issued a travel warning to its citizens, particularly those with medical conditions, advising them against transiting through Ethiopia's main airport in Addis Ababa. The warning comes after 16 Nigerians with underlying health problems died this year while traveling through the airport. The city of Addis Ababa is situated 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 annually. The Nigerian foreign ministry reported that those with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are at an increased risk when traveling to high-altitude areas. The ministry did not disclose the identities of the travelers who died or the cause of death.
The Nigerian foreign ministry urged citizens with health conditions 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 traveling through the Ethiopian capital.
Visiting an area at a high altitude can be dangerous for people with heart and lung diseases, as the air is thinner and less oxygen can get into the bloodstream. Experts from the American Heart Association explain that this can cause the heart to work harder to get enough oxygen to different parts of the body, sometimes leading to heart failure among those with existing conditions.
The lack of oxygen at high altitudes can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath among healthy people, which can cause complications for people with lung disease, according to studies. Nigeria's government is taking steps to inform its citizens about the potential risks associated with traveling through high-altitude areas.
The warning issued by Nigeria's government highlights the importance of considering health risks when traveling to high-altitude areas. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions and seek medical guidance before traveling to areas with high altitudes.
Ethiopia's Bole International Airport will continue to serve as a major hub for travel, and Nigeria's government encourages its citizens to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while traveling through the airport.
Key points
- Nigeria warns citizens with medical conditions against traveling via Ethiopia's main airport due to its high altitude.
- 16 Nigerians with underlying health problems died this year while transiting through Addis Ababa.
- Citizens are advised to exercise caution and obtain medical guidance before traveling to high-altitude areas.
