Ethiopian Airlines Clarifies Viral Passenger Removal Video

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines has issued a statement clarifying the events that led to a viral video showing two passengers being forcibly removed from an airline flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on 19th July.

The airline said the flight experienced an overbooking situation and that three passengers with standby economy class boarding passes arrived at the boarding gate just minutes before the scheduled departure time. The passengers ignored the advice of the boarding agent and attempted to board the aircraft, bypassing security personnel at the gate.

The airline's staff members asked the passengers to disembark, and one complied with the request. However, the remaining two passengers were escorted off the aircraft by security due to non-compliance. Ethiopian Airlines emphasized that the video circulating online does not accurately reflect the sequence of events and that the affected passengers were accommodated on the next available flight.

The incident has raised questions about the airline's treatment of passengers and its handling of overbooking situations. Ethiopian Airlines has stated that the affected passengers were confirmed on the next available flight, but it is unclear if they were compensated for the inconvenience.

Despite the airline's explanation, the video has generated significant attention and criticism on social media, with many calling for better treatment of passengers and more transparency from airlines regarding overbooking policies.

GAROWE ONLINE