Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge at Addis Ababa airport Terminal 2, also known as “Cloud Nine lounge 2”, welcomes exclusively business class passengers traveling on Ethiopian Airlines, Star Alliance members, and select other carriers. The lounge is located one row of shops away from the gates, next to a duty free store and a shoe shine stand.

The Cloud Nine Lounge 2 is the airport’s largest, most modern and best appointed lounge. It was renovated recently. Star Alliance Gold members traveling in economy only have access to the vastly inferior ShebaMiles Gold Lounge, while Ethiopian Airlines’ Silver members enjoy access to the ShebaMiles Silver Lounge.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD design

First impressions are positive. The Addis Ababa Bole airport isn’t a beacon of modernity and opulence, so Business Class passengers are bound to be impressed by the bright and elegant foyer with a local vibe. The eye is drawn to the hardwood floors, traditional African furniture, creatively displayed local art, and the piece de resistance – an inviting, intimate seating area where patrons may indulge in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

The main area beyond the entrance is far less impressive. Located at the center of the terminal, the lounge lacks windows, and therefore natural light, and can become somewhat depressing after a few hours. The seating area is colorful – perhaps to a fault, well lit, but somewhat sterile, with rows of seats facing each other in an uninspired layout under neon lights.

Most seats come with a coffee table, or a console with built-in power and USB outlets, though finding a plug that works might be a challenge.

The swanky bar, across the buffet area, to the left, dazzles with its mirrors and daring angles.

While the design might lack in appeal overall, the renovated Cloud Nine Lounge 2 is a substantial upgrade over its former self, and a clean and comfortable place to wait for a flight.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD amenities

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine 2 lounge offers a set of essential amenities.

Secure Wi-Fi is available throughout, and tends to be faster and more reliable than the airport’s complimentary network. Next to the entrance is a business center equipped with five full size work desks with personal computers and comfortable rolling chairs. The work zone tends to see little use, and is therefore one of the more private areas within the lounge.

The food and beverage offering is one of the main strengths of the lounge. A prominent buffet features a selection of local and international fare, with both cold and hot dishes. A typical spread includes fish, pasta, beef, rice, mixed veggies, udon noodles, rice, and local specialties. The selection is substantial, though Ethiopian won’t earn any fine cuisine awards.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

On the drinks front, patrons will find mineral water, juices, and espresso, as well as a full bar – the best at the airport – with a broad range of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For the local flair, though, the coffee ceremony is not to be missed. Head to the foyer, take a seat, and revel in the sights, sound and taste of the celebrated national treasure, prepared in front of you with traditional incense – a delight that’s a departure from the run of the mill airport lounge experience.

Families benefit from a dedicated kids’ room – it’s somewhat spartan, but spacious, with plenty of space for the little ones to spread out and a few amenities such as a slide.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

Weary travelers will find a dark, isolated room in the back with recliners and massage chairs. The room is often deserted, and for good reason – it’s uncomfortably dark, and some of the chairs are exceedingly worn out.

The bathroom is functional though rather sad looking. The absence of showers is unfortunate given the sweltering heat in Addis Ababa in the summer and the reach of Ethiopian Airlines’ network, with destinations as far as Los Angeles, twenty hours away.

Other amenities include a smoking room, coat hangers, and a selection of international newspapers and magazines.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge ADD bottom line

The Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge at Addis Ababa airport Terminal 2 is by far the best lounge at Bole International airport. The club features a number of convenient amenities such a comfortable work area and business center, a family room, a generous buffet, a full bar, and traditional Ethiopian coffee service. The lounge was recently renovated, even though it’s by no means truly attractive.

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine Lounge – Addis Ababa (ADD) Terminal 2

Overall, the Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine lounge 2 is an average business class lounge by world standards. Considering the alternative options at Addis Ababa airport, however, it is a luxurious haven locally. It’s unfortunate that Star Alliance Gold members traveling in economy need to use the subpar ShebaMiles Gold Lounge instead. The customer hierarchy is inconsistent within the Star Alliance network: while carriers such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, and EVA reserve their best lounges to Star Alliance Gold members, Ethiopian joins the ranks of Singapore Airlines, and soon United, who dedicate their best lounges to business class passengers regardless of their status

Note that all Ethiopian Airlines lounges are located before security. Be sure to leave early in order to make it to your gate on time, even though the Star Alliance Gold checkpoint is relatively speedy. While there are no PA announcements in the lounge, agents typically roam the club ahead of flight call times to announce boarding.