Complete Guide to Recover Lost Items at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Losing your luggage, passport, mobile phone, wallet, or other personal belongings while traveling can be stressful. Fortunately, Bole International Airport Lost and Found services are available to help passengers recover misplaced items as quickly as possible.

Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the country’s busiest airport and serves as the primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Every day, thousands of international and domestic passengers pass through its terminals, making lost property incidents relatively common.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Bole Airport Lost and Found process, including official contact information, reporting procedures, commonly recovered items, baggage claims, and useful travel tips.

About Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Bole International Airport is one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs. It connects travelers to more than 100 international destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas through Ethiopian Airlines and several international carriers.

Airport Information
Airport Name: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
IATA Code: ADD
ICAO Code: HAAB
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopiaz
Primary Airline Hub: Ethiopian Airlines
Passenger Traffic: Millions of passengers annually
Airport Type: International

Because of the high passenger volume, airport authorities maintain a dedicated Lost and Found service for items recovered inside the terminal.

Bole Airport Lost and Found Office

If you lose an item inside the airport terminal, security staff or cleaning personnel may deliver it to the airport’s Lost and Found office.

According to the airport’s official passenger information, the Lost and Found office is located:

Room No. 15
Ground Floor
South Side of the Airport Building
Next to the staircase

Passengers are encouraged to report missing items as soon as possible.

Official Bole Airport Lost and Found Contact Details

If your belongings are lost inside the airport terminal, you may contact:

Lost and Found Office

Location: Room No. 15, Ground Floor
Phone: +251 17 777 15535

Airport Call Center

13600 (Available 24/7)

Aviation Security (AVSEC) Control Room

+251 18 949 08044

Always have the following information ready:

Passport
Boarding pass
Flight number
Date of travel
Description of lost item
Contact information
What Should You Do If You Lose Something?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Stay Calm

Many lost belongings are found within a few hours.

2. Return to the Last Known Location

Check:

Security screening area
Boarding gate
Airport lounge
Restaurants
Washrooms
Immigration counters
Duty-free shops
3. Contact Airport Staff

Inform:

Information Desk
Security personnel
Airline staff
Lost and Found Office
4. File a Lost Property Report

Provide complete details including:

Color
Brand
Size
Identification marks
Serial number (for electronics)
Approximate location where it was lost

The more information you provide, the easier it becomes to identify your property.

Lost Checked Baggage vs Lost Personal Items

Many travelers confuse these two situations.

Lost Personal Property

Examples include:

Mobile phones
Wallets
Passports
Cameras
Laptops
Jewelry
Watches

These should be reported directly to the Bole Airport Lost and Found Office.

Lost Checked Baggage

If your checked suitcase does not arrive on the baggage carousel, contact your airline immediately, as airlines—not the airport—are responsible for checked baggage. Travelers should file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport, which is the standard document used to trace delayed or missing luggage.

Common Items Found at Bole Airport

The Lost and Found department regularly receives items such as:

Mobile phones
Tablets
Laptops
Wallets
Handbags
Passports
National ID cards
Credit cards
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
Watches
Jewelry
Keys
Power banks
Chargers
Headphones
AirPods
Cameras
Clothing
Children’s toys
Books
Water bottles
Travel documents
USB drives
Medical equipment

Most airports receive similar categories of items every day.

Documents Required to Claim Lost Property

To collect your recovered belongings, you may need:

Government-issued photo ID
Passport
Boarding pass
Flight itinerary
Proof of ownership (if available)
Lost Property reference number

If someone else is collecting on your behalf, they may also need an authorization letter and copies of your identification.

Tips to Improve Recovery Chances

To maximize the chances of recovering your lost item:

Report the loss immediately.
Provide accurate descriptions.
Include brand names and serial numbers where possible.
Keep your baggage tags until the trip is complete.
Save your boarding pass.
Answer phone calls from airport staff.
Follow up politely if your item has not yet been located.
Prevent Losing Items While Traveling

Here are some useful travel tips:

Attach luggage tags with your contact details.
Use Bluetooth trackers such as AirTag or similar devices.
Keep valuables in your carry-on bag.
Double-check your seat before leaving the aircraft.
Count your personal belongings before leaving the airport.
Take photos of your luggage before departure.
Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact the Bole Airport Lost and Found office?

Passengers can visit Room No. 15 on the Ground Floor or call +251 17 777 15535. The airport also operates a 24-hour call center (13600) for assistance.

What should I do if Ethiopian Airlines loses my checked baggage?

Immediately visit the Ethiopian Airlines baggage service desk before leaving the airport and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This report is essential for baggage tracing and compensation claims if necessary.

Can I recover my passport from the Lost and Found office?

Yes. If your passport is found inside the airport, it is typically secured by airport authorities until ownership is verified.

How long does it take to recover lost property?

Recovery times vary depending on when the item is found and processed. Some belongings are returned within hours, while others may take several days.

Can someone else collect my belongings?

Yes. In most cases, an authorized representative can collect your property by presenting an authorization letter along with valid identification.

What items are most commonly reported lost?

Frequently recovered items include:

Mobile phones
Wallets
Passports
Laptops
Jewelry
Watches
Headphones
Handbags
Power banks
Travel documents
Final Thoughts

Misplacing an item while traveling through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport can be frustrating, but acting quickly significantly improves the chances of recovery. Report the loss immediately, provide detailed information about the missing item, and stay in touch with the airport or your airline as appropriate. For items lost within the terminal, the Bole Airport Lost and Found office is the primary point of contact, while missing checked baggage should be handled directly through your airline’s baggage services. With prompt reporting and proper documentation, many lost belongings are successfully reunited with their owners.