List of Airports in Eritrea
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Eritrea according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Eritrea are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Eritrea
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessenei Airport | TES | Tessenei | Small |
Major Airports in Eritrea
1. Asmara International Airport (ASM)
Airport Code: ASM
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
Address: Asmara, Eritrea
Nearby Cities:
- Asmara – 5 miles
- Keren – 50 miles
- Massawa – 115 miles
- Dekemhare – 33 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Eritrean Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 200,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Asmara International Airport is the primary international gateway to Eritrea, located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of the capital city, Asmara. The airport serves as the main hub for Eritrean Airlines, the national carrier of Eritrea, and connects the country with destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The airport is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), making it one of the highest international airports in the world.
Originally built by the Italian colonial authorities in the 1930s, the airport has undergone various expansions and upgrades over the years. It was later used by the British and Soviet military during the mid-20th century before being repurposed for civilian use after Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Asmara International has played a critical role in the country’s economic development, offering vital air connections to neighboring countries and international markets. Despite its relatively small size, the airport has maintained a strategic role in connecting Eritrea to the global community.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Asmara International Airport has a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights. The airport features one runway: Runway 07/25, which is 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) long. This runway is capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, as well as smaller aircraft typically used for regional flights. However, the airport’s infrastructure is not designed to handle wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380, due to its size limitations.
The terminal offers basic passenger services, including check-in counters, a duty-free shop, and a few lounges. Ground transportation options include taxis, buses, and private car services, providing access to Asmara and other cities in Eritrea. Despite its smaller scale, Asmara International Airport is an essential part of the country’s infrastructure and continues to support both regional and international air travel.
2. Massawa International Airport (MSW)
Airport Code: MSW
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
Address: Massawa, Eritrea
Nearby Cities:
- Massawa – 3 miles
- Asmara – 115 miles
- Keren – 105 miles
- Dekemhare – 80 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Eritrean Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 50,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Massawa International Airport is located on the Red Sea coast in the city of Massawa, Eritrea. Situated about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the city center, the airport serves as an important point for international flights, especially those traveling to and from the Middle East and neighboring African nations. Massawa is a vital port city, and the airport supports the economic and logistical connections to this bustling maritime gateway.
Massawa’s airport has a rich history dating back to the Italian colonial era when it was used as a military airfield. After World War II, it continued to serve as a key strategic location for both military and civilian flights. Following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Massawa’s airport was refurbished and repurposed for commercial aviation. It has become a key entry point for visitors to Eritrea’s coastal regions, including tourists who come to enjoy Massawa’s historical architecture, beaches, and diving spots.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Massawa International Airport has a single runway, Runway 11/29, which is 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) in length. The runway is long enough to accommodate a variety of aircraft, including medium-sized commercial jets such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. However, it is not designed to handle wide-body aircraft, limiting its capacity for long-haul international flights.
The terminal offers essential services, including check-in counters, a waiting area, and a small gift shop. Ground transportation is available via taxis and private car services that connect the airport to the city of Massawa and other parts of the country. The airport plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers to Eritrea’s coastal regions, facilitating trade and tourism for the country.
3. Assab International Airport (ASA)
Airport Code: ASA
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
Address: Assab, Eritrea
Nearby Cities:
- Assab – 2 miles
- Massawa – 110 miles
- Asmara – 220 miles
- Keren – 200 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Eritrean Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 10,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Assab International Airport is located in the southeastern part of Eritrea, close to the Red Sea coast, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the city of Assab. The airport is strategically positioned for both domestic flights within Eritrea and for international flights to the Arabian Peninsula and nearby African countries. Assab has been historically significant as a port city, and the airport serves as a key infrastructure element for the region’s transportation and economic activities.
The airport was initially established by the Italians in the early 20th century as part of the port city’s development. After Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Assab Airport became part of the country’s commercial and transport network. The airport is less active than other Eritrean airports, such as those in Asmara or Massawa, but it continues to serve the local population and facilitate regional travel, especially to destinations in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Assab International Airport has a single runway, Runway 06/24, which is 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) in length. This runway is long enough to accommodate medium-sized aircraft, including regional jets like the Boeing 737, but it is not capable of handling larger wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international flights.
The terminal at Assab is modest, offering basic amenities such as check-in counters and limited baggage handling services. Given the low passenger traffic, Assab Airport is small but remains vital for regional connectivity. The airport also supports the transportation of goods and personnel to and from the area. Ground transportation includes taxis and private transfers, providing access to Assab and surrounding areas.
4. Keren Airport (KEE)
Airport Code: KEE
Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT)
Address: Keren, Eritrea
Nearby Cities:
- Keren – 5 miles
- Asmara – 50 miles
- Massawa – 105 miles
- Dekemhare – 78 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Eritrean Airlines (occasional services)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 5,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Keren Airport is a smaller regional airport located about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city of Keren, which is one of the largest cities in Eritrea. The airport primarily serves local flights within Eritrea, connecting Keren with the capital, Asmara, and other parts of the country. Keren, historically significant for its role in Eritrean resistance movements, is situated near several mining regions, and the airport supports both civilian and occasional cargo flights.
Keren Airport’s history is tied to Eritrea’s development during the 20th century, with the airport being built as a modest airstrip in the 1940s. It has seen limited commercial use but remains an important asset for the region. The airport helps to connect the inland areas of Eritrea with the coastal and capital cities, supporting both the transport of people and goods.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Keren Airport is a smaller facility with a single runway, Runway 08/26, which is approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) long. This runway is suitable for smaller regional aircraft, such as turboprop planes, but is not capable of handling larger commercial jets or wide-body aircraft. The airport does not handle large volumes of passenger traffic but serves as an essential link for residents and businesses in the Keren region.
Facilities at Keren Airport are basic, with limited passenger services, including check-in counters and a small waiting area. Ground transportation to and from the airport is available via taxis and private vehicles. While the airport is not a major transport hub, it plays an important role in regional air travel within Eritrea, particularly for domestic flights.