Jinka Airport is a regional airport serving the town of Jinka in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. As a crucial transportation hub for the area, Jinka Airport facilitates air travel for passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia. Despite its relatively small size, the airport plays a significant role in supporting local businesses, residents, and the tourism industry of the surrounding region, which is known for its cultural diversity, wildlife, and natural attractions such as the Omo Valley and Mago National Park.
- Airport Code: Jinka (BCO)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by weekday: Monday (12.50%), Tuesday (12.50%), Wednesday (20.83%), Thursday (12.50%), Friday (12.50%), Saturday (12.50%), Sunday (16.67%)
- other spellings: ጂንካ
Location:
Jinka Airport is located near the town of Jinka in the southwestern part of the SNNPR in Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 5.8922° N latitude and 36.5711° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in Jinka by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26 | 10 |
| February | 27 | 10 |
| March | 28 | 11 |
| April | 28 | 12 |
| May | 28 | 12 |
| June | 27 | 12 |
| July | 26 | 11 |
| August | 26 | 11 |
| September | 27 | 11 |
| October | 27 | 11 |
| November | 27 | 11 |
| December | 26 | 10 |
Nearby Cities
Jinka Airport’s strategic location makes it a key access point for several significant cities and towns in southern Ethiopia. Here are ten key cities near Jinka Airport:
Jinka
Distance from Airport: 2 km
Jinka, the nearest town to the airport, serves as the administrative center of the South Omo Zone. It is a bustling market town known for its diverse ethnic communities, including the Ari people. Jinka is home to the South Omo Research Center and Museum, which documents the rich cultural heritage of the region. The town is also a starting point for tours to the various ethnic groups in the Omo Valley.
Turmi
Distance from Airport: 115 km
Turmi is a small town 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.
Key Afer
Distance from Airport: 40 km
Key Afer is a small town renowned for its weekly market, where various ethnic groups such as the Tsemay, Banna, and Ari come together to trade goods. The market is a vibrant cultural exchange and an excellent place to witness the traditional lifestyles of the region. Key Afer is also a significant agricultural center, with local farmers selling their produce in the market.
Dimeka
Distance from Airport: 80 km
Dimeka is another important town in the Omo Valley, known for its market days that attract various ethnic groups, including the Hamer and Banna. The town is a hub of cultural activity, with traditional dances and ceremonies often taking place. Dimeka’s market is a vibrant showcase of the region’s rich cultural diversity.
Omorate
Distance from Airport: 140 km
Omorate, also known as Kelem, is a town situated near the Omo River and close to the Kenyan border. It is home to the Dassanech people, known for their distinctive culture and traditional way of life. The town serves as a gateway to exploring the Omo River and the unique cultural practices of the Dassanech community.
Weyto
Distance from Airport: 50 km
Weyto is a small town located along the road between Jinka and Turmi. It is inhabited mainly by the Tsemay people, who are known for their agro-pastoral lifestyle. Weyto is a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Omo Valley, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the Tsemay.
Konso
Distance from Airport: 120 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.
Arba Minch
Distance from Airport: 275 km
Arba Minch, known for its scenic beauty, is situated between two of Ethiopia’s largest lakes, Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. The city is a major tourist destination, famous for the Nechisar National Park and its unique landscapes. Arba Minch is also an agricultural center, particularly known for its banana and mango plantations.
Woyto
Distance from Airport: 100 km
Woyto, also known as Omorate Woyto, is a small town situated near the confluence of the Omo and Woyto Rivers. It is inhabited by the Arbore people, who are known for their unique cultural practices and traditional way of life. The town serves as a gateway to exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the region.
Karat
Distance from Airport: 130 km
Karat, also known as Karat-Konso, is the administrative center of the Konso Zone. The town is known for its cultural heritage and traditional Konso villages, which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Karat serves as a base for exploring the unique cultural and agricultural practices of the Konso people.