Shire Airport is a regional airport located in the Shire region of Ethiopia. Serving as a vital transportation hub for the area, Shire Airport facilitates air travel for both passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia and the world beyond. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and providing essential access to the Shire region for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
- Airport Code: Shire (SHC)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by weekday: Monday (23.08%), Tuesday (3.85%), Wednesday (23.08%), Thursday (11.54%), Friday (23.08%), Saturday (3.85%), Sunday (11.54%)
- Other spellings: Inda Selassie, Indaselassie, Ында-Сылласе, ሺሬ
Location:
Shire Airport is situated in the town of Shire, which is located in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 14.0780° N latitude and 38.2917° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in the Shire region by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25 | 8 |
| February | 26 | 9 |
| March | 28 | 11 |
| April | 29 | 12 |
| May | 29 | 13 |
| June | 28 | 13 |
| July | 27 | 13 |
| August | 27 | 13 |
| September | 27 | 12 |
| October | 27 | 10 |
| November | 26 | 9 |
| December | 25 | 8 |
Nearby Cities
The strategic location of Shire Airport makes it an important gateway to several significant cities and towns in northern Ethiopia. Here are ten key cities near Shire Airport:
Shire Inda Selassie
Distance from Airport: 5 km
Shire Inda Selassie, commonly referred to as Shire, is the nearest town to the airport and serves as an important administrative and commercial center in the Tigray Region. The town is known for its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and vibrant markets. Shire’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, trade, and services playing significant roles. The town is also a key hub for humanitarian activities in the region.
Axum
Distance from Airport: 60 km
Axum is one of Ethiopia’s most historically significant cities, known for its ancient obelisks, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, and as the former center of the Axumite Empire. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts numerous tourists and researchers. Axum’s economy benefits significantly from tourism, alongside agriculture and local trade. The city’s rich cultural heritage makes it a key destination for visitors to the region.
Adwa
Distance from Airport: 50 km
Adwa is famous for the historic Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army in 1896, marking a significant event in the country’s history. The town is a cultural and historical landmark, attracting visitors interested in Ethiopia’s rich past. Adwa’s economy is supported by agriculture, trade, and tourism, with a focus on preserving and promoting its historical significance.
Adigrat
Distance from Airport: 140 km
Adigrat is a significant town in the Tigray Region, serving as a commercial and educational hub. The town is known for its universities, healthcare facilities, and vibrant markets. Adigrat’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, trade, education, and services being major contributors. The town is also known for its historical sites and churches, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
Mekelle
Distance from Airport: 180 km
Mekelle is the capital of the Tigray Region and one of the largest cities in northern Ethiopia. The city serves as an economic, cultural, and administrative center. Mekelle is known for its universities, hospitals, and industries, including textile manufacturing. The city’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from trade, education, healthcare, and industry. Mekelle also hosts various cultural and historical sites, attracting tourists to the region.
Humera
Distance from Airport: 110 km
Humera is an important agricultural hub known for its large-scale production of sesame, a major export product. The town’s strategic location near the borders of Eritrea and Sudan enhances its role as a center for cross-border trade. Humera’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, but it also has growing sectors in trade and services. The town’s proximity to Shire Airport facilitates the export of agricultural products and enhances connectivity.
Zalambessa
Distance from Airport: 150 km
Zalambessa is a border town located near the Ethiopian-Eritrean border. The town has historical significance due to its role in the Ethio-Eritrean War. Zalambessa serves as a key point for cross-border trade and movement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The town’s economy is primarily based on trade, with local markets playing a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of the residents. The town’s strategic location makes it an important center for regional commerce and cultural exchange.
Adi Remets
Distance from Airport: 70 km
Adi Remets is a town known for its agricultural activities, particularly the cultivation of crops like sorghum and maize. The town’s economy is heavily reliant on farming, with local markets playing a crucial role in trade. Adi Remets is also known for its traditional lifestyle and cultural practices, making it an interesting destination for visitors interested in experiencing rural Ethiopian culture.
Adi Daero
Distance from Airport: 80 km
Adi Daero is a small town located to the north of Shire. It is known for its agricultural activities and vibrant local markets. The town’s economy is primarily based on subsistence farming, with local farmers growing a variety of crops for both local consumption and trade. Adi Daero is also known for its traditional cultural practices and community events, which attract visitors from surrounding areas.
Debark
Distance from Airport: 240 km
Debark is a town located in the Amhara Region, near the Simien Mountains National Park. The town serves as a gateway to the national park, attracting numerous tourists and trekkers. Debark’s economy benefits significantly from tourism, alongside agriculture and trade. The town is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in the Simien Mountains.