Gambela Airport is a regional airport serving the city of Gambela in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia. As an important transportation hub for the area, Gambela Airport facilitates air travel for passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia and neighboring countries. Despite its relatively small size, the airport plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, residents, and the economy of the surrounding region, which is known for its diverse cultural heritage and natural resources.
- Airport Code: Gambela (GMB)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (17.86%), Tuesday (8.93%), Wednesday (19.64%), Thursday (8.93%), Friday (17.86%), Saturday (8.93%), Sunday (17.86%)
- other spellings: Гамбела, Γκαμπέλα, גמבלה, ጋምቤላ, جامبيلا, गाम्बेला, ガンベラ, 감벨 라, 甘贝拉, 甘貝拉
Location:
Gambela Airport is located near the city of Gambela in the western part of the Gambela Region in Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 8.1431° N latitude and 34.5629° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in Gambela by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 34 | 18 |
| February | 35 | 18 |
| March | 36 | 19 |
| April | 35 | 19 |
| May | 33 | 19 |
| June | 31 | 19 |
| July | 30 | 19 |
| August | 30 | 19 |
| September | 31 | 19 |
| October | 32 | 19 |
| November | 33 | 19 |
| December | 33 | 18 |
Nearby Cities
1. Gambela
Overview:
Gambela is the closest city to the airport and serves as the administrative center of the Gambela Region. The town is located near the Baro River and has a diverse population consisting of several ethnic groups, including the Anuak, Nuer, and Highlanders.
Population:
Approximately 40,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and services are the primary economic activities in Gambela. The town also has a growing market for fish and livestock.
- Education: Gambela University is a significant educational institution in the region, along with various primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Gambela Hospital and numerous health centers provide medical services to the residents.
- Tourism: Proximity to Gambela National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, attracts tourists to the area.
2. Itang
Overview:
Itang is a small town located about 40 kilometers west of Gambela. It is known for its predominantly Nuer population and its role as a market town.
Population:
Around 10,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: The town’s economy is based on agriculture and trade. Fishing is also an essential part of the local economy due to its location near the Baro River.
- Education: Local schools serve the town and surrounding areas.
- Healthcare: Itang Health Center provides basic healthcare services.
- Community: Itang is a cultural hub for the Nuer people, hosting various traditional events and gatherings.
3. Abobo
Overview:
Abobo is situated approximately 40 kilometers south of Gambela. It is a small town in the Gambela Region with a mixed population of Anuak and Highlanders.
Population:
Around 8,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture is the mainstay of Abobo’s economy, with significant cultivation of crops such as maize and sorghum.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools serve the local community.
- Healthcare: Abobo Health Center offers medical services to the residents.
- Environment: The town is located near the Abobo-Gog District, an area known for its rich wildlife and potential for eco-tourism.
4. Pugnido
Overview:
Pugnido is a town located about 90 kilometers southeast of Gambela. It is known for its refugee camps, which host people from South Sudan and other regions.
Population:
Approximately 15,000 residents, excluding the refugee population.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: The local economy is supported by agriculture and trade, with a significant influence from humanitarian aid organizations.
- Education: Schools in Pugnido serve both the local and refugee populations.
- Healthcare: Pugnido Health Center and clinics operated by NGOs provide essential healthcare services.
- Community: The presence of refugee camps has made Pugnido a center for international aid and development projects.
5. Metu
Overview:
Metu is located about 200 kilometers southeast of Gambela and serves as the administrative center of the Illubabor Zone in the Oromia Region.
Population:
Around 45,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Metu is an important agricultural hub, known for coffee production and trade.
- Education: Metu University and several primary and secondary schools provide educational opportunities.
- Healthcare: Metu Hospital and various health centers serve the town and surrounding areas.
- Tourism: The town is surrounded by lush forests and coffee plantations, making it a scenic destination.
6. Tepi
Overview:
Tepi is located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Gambela in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). It is known for its coffee plantations.
Population:
Around 25,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Tepi is a major center for coffee production and trade.
- Education: Local schools and Tepi Agricultural Research Center contribute to educational development.
- Healthcare: Tepi Hospital and health centers provide medical services.
- Environment: The town is surrounded by coffee farms and forested areas, offering potential for eco-tourism.
7. Gore
Overview:
Gore is situated about 150 kilometers south of Gambela. It is a historic town known for its role during the Italian occupation in the 1930s.
Population:
Approximately 10,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture and trade are the main economic activities in Gore.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools serve the town.
- Healthcare: Gore Health Center and clinics provide healthcare services.
- History: The town has historical significance, with landmarks related to the Italian occupation period.
8. Dembidolo
Overview:
Dembidolo is located about 180 kilometers east of Gambela. It is an important commercial center in the Oromia Region.
Population:
Around 35,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: The town’s economy is driven by agriculture, particularly coffee and honey production.
- Education: Dembidolo University and local schools provide educational services.
- Healthcare: Dembidolo Hospital and health centers offer medical care.
- Commerce: The town is a significant market center for the surrounding rural areas.
9. Nekemte
Overview:
Nekemte is located about 350 kilometers east of Gambela. It is a major city in the Oromia Region and serves as a commercial and administrative center.
Population:
Approximately 110,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and education are the primary economic activities. Nekemte is known for its coffee and cereal production.
- Education: Wollega University and numerous primary and secondary schools provide educational opportunities.
- Healthcare: Nekemte Referral Hospital and various health centers serve the city and surrounding areas.
- Transport: The city is a key transportation hub in western Ethiopia.
10. Assosa
Overview:
Assosa is located approximately 300 kilometers north of Gambela. It is the capital of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region.
Population:
Around 30,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture and trade dominate the local economy.
- Education: Assosa University and local schools offer educational opportunities.
- Healthcare: Assosa Hospital and health centers provide medical services.
- Environment: The town is located near the Blue Nile River and is surrounded by fertile agricultural land.