Ethiopian Airlines suspend flights to Eritrea

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Due to what it terms as difficult 'operating conditions', Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Eritrea effective on Monday, in yet another significant development in the Horn of Africa region, which is battling with instability.

According to the Ethiopian national carrier, it will cease to fly to Eritrea, adding that the challenges are 'beyond our control'. The Airline is of the best run in Africa and its profits have been on an upward trajectory.

In a statement, the Airlines expressed regret for any 'inconvenience' caused, noting that all affected passengers would be rebooked on other available flights to the Red Sea nation. “Alternatively, passengers can receive a full refund for their tickets,” the national flag carrier said this evening.

On 24 July, Ethiopian Airlines said that was “seeking clarification from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority” and was committed to resolving any issues amicably and promptly,” following a decision by the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority announcing the suspension of all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea, effective September 30, 2024.

The announcement came at the time the Eritrean government was planning to suspend the flights over pending issues. Thousands of people across the world rely on Ethiopian Airlines for air transport due to its efficiency and reliability.

On July 24, Eritrea ordered the suspension citing “systematic and organized passengers' luggage theft, pilferage, damage, prolonged delays and loss with no compensation,” - a charge the Airline denied. The airline insisted that the allegations were false.

The announcement comes at the time Ethiopian authorities are also at loggerheads with Somalia over access to the Red Sea. Ethiopia has already signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, for the acquisition of 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the construction of a military base.

In return, Somalia has accused Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity and sovereignty and has even gone ahead to sign military pacts with both Egypt and Turkey for the anticipated defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

GAROWE ONLINE