Ethiopian Airlines seeking clarification on Eritrean ban

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopian Airlines says it is seeking clarification on the ban by Eritrea Civil Aviation Authority, noting that it is determined to solve the underlying issues 'amicably and promptly' despite the conflicting reports about its conduct.

The national carrier confirmed receiving better from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority which indicated the suspension of all flights by Ethiopian Airlines effective on September 30th, 2024. The airline controls the African market.

However, the Airlines said “the specific reasons for this suspension have not been disclosed” to it and pledged it will provide further updates as more information becomes available, Addis Standard reports.

Earlier on Wednesday, a letter purportedly written by the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority circulated online announcing the flight suspension. The two countries have been at loggerheads in recent times.

Eritrea claimed the decision was due to “consistent and persistent malicious trading practices pursued by Ethiopian airlines in general and systemic and organized passengers’ luggage theft, pilferage, damage prolonged delays, and loss with no compensation in particular, coupled with unjustified and unwarranted price hikes and other irregularities witnessed.”

Eritrea also claimed that “repeated and relentless calls made on Ethiopia airlines to rectify the above references pitfalls and other irregularities imposed on the traveling public have not yet been fruited.”

Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Asmara on 17 July 2018 following the normalization of the relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The conflict in the Tigray region saw two countries working together, where they jointly fought Tigray rebels.

The airline has struggled with cases of misconduct, including a recent video where a staff member was recorded forcefully evicting a passenger to create space for a local official. The airline has since apologized for the misconduct.

GAROWE ONLINE