Arba Minch Airport is a regional airport serving the city of Arba Minch in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. As a crucial transportation hub for the area, Arba Minch Airport facilitates air travel for passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia. Despite its relatively modest size, the airport plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, residents, and the tourism industry of the surrounding region, which is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and wildlife.
- Airport Code: Arba Minch (AMH)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (13.89%), Tuesday (13.89%), Wednesday (16.67%), Thursday (13.89%), Friday (13.89%), Saturday (13.89%), Sunday (13.89%)
- other spellings: Arba Mintch, Arbaminch, Arba Myncz, Арба Мынч, Άρμπα Μιντς, አርባ ምንጭ
Location:
Arba Minch Airport is situated near the city of Arba Minch in the southern part of the SNNPR in Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 6.0395° N latitude and 37.5906° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in Arba Minch by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 10 |
| February | 28 | 11 |
| March | 29 | 11 |
| April | 29 | 12 |
| May | 28 | 13 |
| June | 27 | 13 |
| July | 26 | 12 |
| August | 26 | 12 |
| September | 27 | 12 |
| October | 28 | 12 |
| November | 28 | 11 |
| December | 27 | 10 |
Nearby Cities
The strategic location of Arba Minch Airport makes it a crucial hub for several cities in southern Ethiopia. Here are ten key cities near Arba Minch Airport:
Arba Minch
Distance from Airport: 3 km
Arba Minch, the town closest to the airport, is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to the Nechisar National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, and the “Forty Springs” from which the town gets its name. Arba Minch is also an important agricultural center, particularly known for its banana and mango plantations.
Konso
Distance from Airport: 90 km
Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique cultural landscape and traditional terraced agriculture. The Konso people are known for their intricate stone-walled settlements and wooden statues called wagas. This city is an excellent example of sustainable land management practices in a challenging environment.
Jinka
Distance from Airport: 240 km
Jinka is a key town in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and serves as a gateway to the Omo Valley. The town is home to the South Omo Research Center and Museum, which documents the rich cultural diversity of the region. Jinka is a starting point for tours to the various ethnic groups in the Omo Valley, making it an important cultural destination.
Sodo
Distance from Airport: 160 km
Sodo, the capital of the Wolaita Zone, is a rapidly growing city with a diverse economy. It is known for its vibrant markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Sodo’s location in a fertile region makes it a center for agricultural activities, particularly in cereal and root crops.
Yabelo
Distance from Airport: 290 km
Yabelo is an important town in the Borena Zone, known for its pastoralist communities and cattle markets. The town serves as a commercial hub for the region, with a strong focus on livestock trade. Yabelo is also significant for its proximity to several natural attractions, including the Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dila
Distance from Airport: 180 km
Dila is an important city in the Gedeo Zone, known for its rich coffee-growing region. The city is a major center for the coffee trade, contributing significantly to Ethiopia’s coffee industry. Dila’s cultural heritage includes several archaeological sites, such as ancient stelae fields, which attract researchers and tourists alike.
Hosaena
Distance from Airport: 260 km
Hosaena is the capital of the Hadiya Zone and an important economic center in southern Ethiopia. The city is known for its agricultural markets and serves as a commercial hub for surrounding rural areas. Hosaena’s development has been supported by its strategic location on the main road connecting Addis Ababa to southern Ethiopia.
Awasa (Hawassa)
Distance from Airport: 295 km
Hawassa is the capital of the Sidama Region and a major city in southern Ethiopia. It is situated on the shores of Lake Hawassa, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. The city is an economic and educational hub, hosting Hawassa University and various industries.
Turmi
Distance from Airport: 350 km
Turmi is a small town in the Omo Valley, known for its vibrant market and as a cultural center for the Hamer people. The town is famous for the traditional bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young Hamer men. Turmi’s remote location and unique cultural experiences make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic traditions.
Bule Hora
Distance from Airport: 225 km
Bule Hora is a town in the Oromia Region, known for its agricultural productivity and coffee plantations. The town is also home to Bule Hora University, contributing to its growing significance as an educational center. Bule Hora’s strategic location on the main road connecting Addis Ababa to southern Ethiopia enhances its importance as a regional hub.