Cheap Flights from Addis Ababa to Istanbul Starting at $189

The route Addis Ababa — Istanbul is served by many carriers — 8 in total, including Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Saudia, Nas Air, Gulf Air, EgyptAir, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $189) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD) is Ethiopia’s main international gateway and a regional hub, frequently serving full-service carriers including Ethiopian Airlines alongside some foreign and regional operators. It typically handles a mix of long-haul and domestic flights and can be priced competitively compared with other African hubs depending on season and carrier. The airport sits about 6–8 km east of the city centre; taxis and ride‑hailing usually take 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and can be relatively inexpensive, while airport shuttles or hotel transfers offer direct options for a moderate added cost. Pros: extensive international connections and modern terminals; cons: can be busy during peak periods and security/immigration queues may be slow at times.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s main international hub, handling most long-haul and premium carriers as well as many full-service and some low-cost airlines. Located on the European side about 35–50 km from the historic city center, transfers typically take 30–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic; Havaist and public buses run frequent services (roughly 45–75 minutes) and fares can be moderate for shared shuttles or public transit. The airport is modern and spacious with extensive lounges and shopping, making it comfortable for international connections, though longer transfer times and occasional congestion can make it less convenient for quick city access. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on Istanbul’s Asian side is often positioned as a budget- and low-cost-friendly gateway, serving many regional and low-cost carriers alongside some full-service operators. It sits about 35–45 km from central Sultanahmet or Taksim, with road transfers usually taking 45–90 minutes; Havataş shuttles, municipal buses, and airport taxis are common and fares are typically lower than private transfers. SAW can be a cost-effective choice for value-conscious travelers, but passengers should expect longer surface transfer times and fewer nonstop long-haul options compared with the main hub.

In different months, ticket prices from Addis Ababa to Istanbul vary: minimum — $189 (November 2025), maximum — $259 (January 2026). Typically, the flight costs $223–$253.