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Hawassa International Airport International Hub illustrationInternational Hub
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Hawassa International Airport

Hawassa, Ethiopia
Explore Hawassa city guide Navigate to this airport
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HALA
ICAO
5450 ft
Elevation
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Gateway to Ethiopia's southern lake city of Hawassa.

Location
Hawassa, Ethiopia
Hawassa International Airport (IATA: AWA, ICAO: HALA) serves Hawassa, the capital of the Sidama Region and one of Ethiopia's major cities situated on the shores of Lake Hawassa. The airport provides connectivity between Hawassa and other Ethiopian cities, most notably Addis Ababa, supporting the region's growing tourism and economic activity. The airport has historically operated as a domestic facility, with Ethiopian Airlines serving as the primary carrier linking Hawassa to the national capital. Efforts have been made over the years to upgrade its infrastructure to accommodate international traffic, consistent with its designation as an international airport.
Terminals
The airport operates a modest single terminal facility typical of secondary Ethiopian airports.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Hawassa city center is primarily available via taxis and private vehicles.
Airlines here
Ethiopian Airlines is the primary carrier operating scheduled services at Hawassa International Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›Located in the Sidama Region, one of Ethiopia's newest regional states established in 2020.
  • ›Hawassa is known for the Hawassa Industrial Park, which has increased demand for air travel to the city.
  • ›The airport carries an international designation but has historically been used predominantly for domestic routes.
  • ›Situated near Lake Hawassa, a popular tourist destination in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.
  • ›Ethiopian Airlines operates the main scheduled connections between Hawassa and Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

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City & Place Guide

Lakeside gem in Ethiopia's lush and vibrant Rift Valley

Hawassa is the capital of the Sidama Region and sits on the shores of Lake Hawassa in Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley, about 275 km south of Addis Ababa. Known for its relatively mild climate, tree-lined boulevards, and relaxed pace, it draws both domestic and international visitors seeking a break from the capital's bustle.

The city is home to Hawassa University, giving it a youthful energy, and its lakeside promenade is a social hub where locals and tourists alike gather at sunset. The surrounding region offers rich Sidama culture, coffee traditions, and easy access to other Rift Valley lakes, making Hawassa a practical base for southern Ethiopia exploration.

  • •Lake Hawassa Promenade — scenic waterfront walk with pelicans and fishing boats
  • •Hawassa Fish Market — lively open-air market where fishermen sell the day's fresh catch
  • •Wondo Genet Hot Springs — forested resort area with natural thermal pools 20 km away
  • •Hawassa Lake Viewpoint — hilltop panorama over the lake and surrounding greenery
  • •Sidama Cultural Village — insight into traditional Sidama architecture, dress, and customs
  • •Shallo Lake — nearby bird-watching haven with diverse waterbird species

Getting around: Hawassa is compact and easy to navigate by foot or bicycle along the lakefront. Blue-and-white bajaj (auto-rickshaws) are the primary short-distance transport within the city and are very affordable. Regular minibus taxis cover main routes, while long-distance buses and shared vans connect Hawassa to Addis Ababa and other regional towns. Ride-hailing apps such as ZayRide operate in the city but coverage can be inconsistent.

Best time: The dry seasons from October to January and June to August offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Local food: Try injera with spicy lamb tibs, fresh Nile tilapia grilled at the lakeside fish market, and locally grown Sidama coffee served in a traditional ceremony.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via AWA? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Ethiopia from official government sources.

Ethiopia visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification