Six Nigerians have died at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport this year, and Nigeria's foreign ministry wants travellers to know about it before they book their next connecting flight.
The deaths all involved passengers with underlying health conditions, and officials in Abuja are now formally advising Nigerians to think twice about routing through Ethiopia's main airport. The concern is the altitude. Addis Ababa sits high enough that the thin air can place serious strain on the heart and lungs, particularly for anyone already managing a chronic illness.
The caution is not a ban, but it is a pointed warning from the Nigerian government. If you have a pre-existing health condition and your itinerary has you stopping over in Addis Ababa, this is the moment to call your doctor and weigh your options before you reach the boarding gate.
Originally published by BBC Africa.