Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 1

The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge at Addis Ababa airport Terminal 1 serves Business Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers departing to domestic destinations with Ethiopia, as well as a handful of regional destinations such as Hargeisa, Somalia.

Due to space constraints in Terminal 1, connecting passengers with a long layover are asked to stay in Terminal 2 until approximately two hours before their flight, where they can use one of three Ethiopian Airlines lounges based on their status.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD design

The Addis Ababa airport Terminal 1 building is decidedly basic, and the Cloud Nine lounge fits right in. Located at the back of the waiting area, the club looks like an industrial hangar, with neon lights and bare ceilings. The room lacks windows, and thus natural light and views. That said, the lounge is spacious and hardly ever crowded.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 1

The main room features open seating and a buffet area. In the back is a smaller room with additional seating surrounded by walls of mirrors, which makes the space feel more open, if perhaps a bit cold. The seats are large and comfortable. The layout is a bit dense, though the lounge is typically pretty quiet. Power outlets are sorely lacking in the main room, but can be found along the walls in the back room.

The bathroom is minimalistic, with a single stall and sink, and a small window which reveals a glimpse of the unlikely patchwork of structures that makes up the terminal building. However tiny it is, the restroom remains reasonably clean and functional.

Overall, the Cloud Nine Lounge in Terminal 1 may feel pretty bare, but it’s a clean, comfortable, and a far superior alternative to the desolate terminal.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD amenities

The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge at Addis Ababa airport Terminal 1 is an oasis of amenities in a terminal that is mostly devoid of stores and services.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 1

The buffet features a generous spread of hot and cold dishes. At breakfast time, patrons will find a resolutely western selection with pancakes, muffins, and hash browns. Throughout the day, the spread includes smoked salmon, beef appetizers, and simple Ethiopian fare. The drink selection includes mineral water, juice and soda, a small wine selection (two bottles of white wine when we visited), and drip coffee.

Perhaps the most important part is that the Cloud Nine lounge offers secure and reliable Wi-Fi access, a noteworthy fact since Wi-Fi is otherwise completely unavailable in Terminal 1. A couple of shared use computers, as well as newspapers, are also available.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD bottom line

When rating a lounge, it’s important to keep the environment in mind. The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge at Addis Ababa airport Terminal 1 may be basic, but it provides a quiet haven away from the tiny, and often crowded terminal. It is almost as spacious as the main public waiting room, and thus offers patrons a comfortable amount of personal space and privacy. With friendly staff, Wi-Fi (which is not otherwise available in the terminal), and a generous food and beverage selection, the Cloud Nine lounge at Terminal 1 is an enjoyable amenity for business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers. Incidentally, it is in many ways superior to the ShebaMiles Gold Lounge at Terminal 2, where international departs from.

Note that the lounge is located before security. Be sure to leave early in order to make it to your gate on time, even though the Star Alliance Gold line is typically reasonably speedy.