Business Class Lounge

Cloud Nine and Sheba Platinum lounges set the benchmark in T2

In Terminal 2 at Addis Ababa Bole, Ethiopian’s business lounge setup effectively functions as a two-part complex: a Cloud Nine lounge for business-class tickets and a Sheba Platinum / Star Gold section for status guests. Both sit airside in T2, so build in at least 15–20 minutes walking time from distant gates before boarding calls start.

The “Business Class Lounge” label usually maps to these Ethiopian-operated rooms in T2, open 24/7 and used by Star Alliance carriers plus partners. If your boarding pass shows Cloud Nine, you go to the business side; if it shows Star Gold or Sheba Platinum, you’re likely routed next door to the status side with similar seating and facilities.

FlyerTalk regulars note that the two lounges feel almost identical in layout, furniture, and basic amenities, with the main difference being food. Expect buffet-style hot dishes on both sides, with slightly better catering reported in the Cloud Nine lounge, especially during peak long-haul banks around midnight and early morning (roughly 23:00–02:00 and 05:00–08:00).

The space in T2 usually offers self-serve drinks, basic hot food, and standard international spirits, together with Wi‑Fi that can slow down once the big A350 and 787 waves bank in. Seating zones range from small two-seat tables near the buffet to longer rows of armchairs closer to the windows, plus a few workbench-style spots by power outlets.

Access rules hinge on your airline and ticket: Ethiopian Cloud Nine and other eligible Star Alliance business-class passengers use the business side, while Star Alliance Gold and Sheba Platinum get directed to the status lounge in T2. Day-pass sales aren’t consistently advertised, so don’t count on walk-up access if you’re in economy without status or an invite from your operating carrier.

Most flights out of T2 board from contact gates scattered across several piers, so check your gate number early and watch how long it takes other passengers to walk there. With ADD’s late-night rush, lines at security and passport control can still be slow, so clear formalities first, then head to the lounge as your last stop before the gate.

Tip: If you qualify for both, pick the dedicated Cloud Nine lounge in T2 for the slightly stronger catering, especially if your connection in Addis is under 2 hours and you’re relying on the lounge for a quick hot meal.