International Airports

Airport Name	City	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Asmara International Airport	Asmara	ASM	HHAS

Domestic Airports

Airport Name	City	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Massawa International Airport	Massawa	MSW	HHMN
Assab Airport	Assab	ASA	HHSB

Notes:

• Asmara International Airport (ASM) is the primary international gateway and hub for Eritrea.
• Massawa and Assab Airports serve domestic and regional flights, with Massawa being the main domestic airport after Asmara.

Eritrea Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans Unveiled

Eritrea, a country in East Africa, has a small but important network of airports. These airports play a key role in connecting Eritrea to the rest of the world and helping visitors explore the nation.

Eritrea has 4 airports that serve both domestic and international flights. The main gateway to the country is Asmara International Airport, located in the capital city. It handles most of the international traffic and is the busiest airport in Eritrea.

Other airports in Eritrea include Assab International Airport and Massawa International Airport. These smaller airports mainly serve domestic flights and some regional routes. While Eritrea’s airport infrastructure is modest, it provides vital links for trade, tourism, and travel within the country and to neighbouring nations.

Overview of Eritrea’s Air Transport Infrastructure

Eritrea’s air transport system comprises several airports serving different regions of the country. These facilities play a crucial role in connecting Eritrea domestically and internationally, supporting both passenger travel and cargo operations.

Asmara International Airport (ASM)

Asmara International Airport is Eritrea’s primary gateway. Located 7 km south of the capital city, it handles most international flights. The airport features a single runway measuring 3,000 metres in length, suitable for large aircraft.

ASM offers connections to destinations like Cairo, Dubai, and Frankfurt. It serves as the main hub for Eritrean Airlines, the national carrier.

Passenger facilities include a terminal building with basic amenities. Cargo handling capabilities exist, though limited compared to larger regional airports.

Massawa International Airport (MSW)

Massawa International Airport serves Eritrea’s main port city on the Red Sea coast. It plays a vital role in supporting the country’s maritime trade and tourism sector.

The airport has a 3,500-metre runway capable of accommodating various aircraft types. It handles both domestic and some international flights, primarily to neighbouring countries.

MSW’s importance lies in its strategic location near Massawa’s port facilities, enabling efficient transfer of goods between sea and air transport modes.

Assab International Airport (ASA)

Assab International Airport is situated in the southern Red Sea region of Eritrea. It serves the port city of Assab and surrounding areas.

The airport features a 3,500-metre runway, allowing for operations by medium to large aircraft. ASA primarily handles domestic flights and some regional international traffic.

Its location near the Bab el-Mandeb strait gives it strategic importance for trade and potential military use.

Tessenei Airport (TES)

Tessenei Airport is a smaller facility located in western Eritrea near the Sudanese border. It mainly serves domestic flights and acts as a regional hub for the Gash-Barka region.

The airport has a shorter runway compared to the main international airports, limiting it to smaller aircraft operations. It plays a crucial role in connecting remote areas to the capital and other major cities.

Agordat Airport

Agordat Airport is a minor domestic airport serving the town of Agordat in central Eritrea. It has basic infrastructure suitable for small aircraft and general aviation.

The airport mainly supports local connectivity and emergency services. Its runway is unpaved, restricting operations to light aircraft and helicopters.

Agordat Airport’s importance lies in providing air access to an otherwise remote inland region of the country.

Travelling to and from Eritrea

Air travel is the main way to reach Eritrea. The country has a national airline and one primary international airport. Flights connect Eritrea to several regional and international destinations.

Flights to Eritrea

Asmara International Airport is the main gateway for flights to Eritrea. It serves the capital city and handles most international traffic. Several airlines offer flights to Asmara, including Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, and FlyDubai.

Most flights to Eritrea connect through major hubs in the Middle East or East Africa. Common layover cities include Dubai, Cairo, and Addis Ababa. Direct flights are limited, so travellers should expect at least one stop.

The airport in Asmara is small but functional. It has basic amenities like currency exchange and a small duty-free shop. Visas are required for most visitors and can be obtained on arrival for some nationalities.

Eritrean Airlines

Eritrean Airlines is the national carrier of Eritrea. It operates a small fleet of aircraft and serves both domestic and international routes. The airline connects Asmara to cities like Cairo, Dubai, and Jeddah.

Domestically, Eritrean Airlines flies to Massawa on the Red Sea coast. This route is popular with tourists visiting the coastal region. The airline also sometimes operates flights to Assab in the south.

Eritrean Airlines has faced challenges in recent years. Its fleet and route network are limited. Service can be inconsistent, so travellers should check current schedules and be prepared for possible changes or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eritrea has limited air travel options and strict entry requirements. Airports offer basic facilities for passengers. Here are answers to common questions about flying to and within Eritrea.

What are the international air travel options available in Eritrea?

Asmara International Airport is the main gateway for international flights to Eritrea. It serves the capital city and surrounding areas.

There are limited direct flights to Asmara from a few international destinations. Most travellers connect through other regional hubs.

Can you list the airlines that operate flights to and from Eritrea?

A small number of airlines fly to Eritrea. These include:

• Eritrean Airlines (national carrier)
• Egypt Air
• Turkish Airlines
• FlyDubai
• Ethiopian Airlines

Flight schedules can change, so it’s best to check with airlines directly for current routes.

What are the visa requirements for travellers flying into Eritrea?

Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter Eritrea. Travellers should apply for visas well in advance through Eritrean embassies or consulates.

Visa-on-arrival is not widely available. Some business travellers may be eligible for visas on arrival in special circumstances.

How do I get from the main airport in Eritrea to the city centre?

Asmara International Airport is about 4 km from the city centre. Transport options include:

• Taxis: Available outside the terminal
• Hotel shuttles: Some hotels offer pick-up services
• Car hire: Limited options at the airport

There is no regular public transport between the airport and city.

What are the facilities available at Eritrean airports for passengers?

Eritrean airports offer basic facilities. At Asmara International Airport, passengers can find:

• Duty-free shops
• Cafes and small restaurants
• Currency exchange
• Limited seating areas

Facilities are more limited at smaller regional airports.

Could you provide information on internal flights within Eritrea?

Internal flights in Eritrea are very limited. Eritrean Airlines operates some domestic routes, but schedules can be unreliable.

There are no regular domestic flights from Asmara International Airport. Most travel within Eritrea is by road or rail.