In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, Eritrea has announced the suspension of all Ethiopian Airlines flights to the East African nation.
Ethiopian Airlines said that it is “currently seeking clarification from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority and is committed to resolving any issues amicably and promptly.’
The flag carrier confirmed receiving a notice from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority through a letter dated 21 July 2024 indicating the suspension of all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea, effective September 30, 2024.
The Eritreans say the suspension comes after repeated calls for the airline to rectify the issues cited. They advised anyone planning to fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Eritrea to adjust their plans.
But 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. They also maintained that the airline was committed to resolving any issues amicably and promptly.
Earlier today, a letter purportedly written by the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority circulated online announcing the flight suspension. 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 “repeated and relentless calls made on Ethiopia airlines to rectify the above references pitfalls and other irregularities imposed on the traveling public born no fruit yet.”
Accordingly, Eritrea said it was suspending all Ethiopian Airlines flights destined for Eritrea with effect from 30 September 2024.
Last week, Ethiopian Airlines announced that tickets for passengers outside Ethiopia must be purchased in US dollars only. This directive creates a significant hurdle for Eritrean travellers, who previously bought tickets using the local currency.
Ethiopian Airlines operates five weekly flights to Asmara. Other carriers on the route are Saudi Arabian, Turkish, and Egyptian.
Flights between Ethiopia and Eritrea resumed in 2018 after two decades of animosity, after a peace deal between the two neighbours that earned Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel peace prize a year later.
Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been restored following the end of the civil war in northern Ethiopia. It is worth noting that the Eritrean government sided with the federal government during the conflict in the north and attacked the forces of Tigray.
