CNN correspondent Larry Madowo faces criticism over allegations of tarnishing Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation amid the airline’s significant growth and success.
In a recent development, CNN’s Kenyan correspondent Larry Madowo has come under fire across Africa for allegedly attempting to damage the reputation of Ethiopian Airlines. This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Ethiopian Airlines’ remarkable growth and dominance in the aviation industry.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, has seen unprecedented growth, particularly in the last 12 months. The airline has been expanding its route network aggressively, adding new international and domestic destinations. In June 2024 alone, it introduced four new international routes, including Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Warsaw, Poland. This expansion has fortified its position as a leading carrier in Africa, making it increasingly difficult for non-African airlines to establish a foothold on the continent.
Moreover, the airline is modernizing its fleet with significant new aircraft orders. It plans to grow its fleet to over 271 aircraft by 2035, including Boeing 737s, 787s, and Airbus A350s. This modernization effort is enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience, contributing to Ethiopian Airlines’ competitive edge in the global market.
The airline’s commitment to customer service has also been recognized through numerous awards. It was named the Best Airline in Africa in 2024 for the seventh consecutive year and has received accolades for its in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi services. These achievements have helped build a strong brand reputation, attract more passengers, and foster customer loyalty, positioning Ethiopian Airlines favorably as air travel demand rises across Africa.
The backlash against Larry Madowo centers on accusations that he is part of a well-coordinated effort to undermine Ethiopian Airlines’ standing in the global market. Critics argue that his actions are designed to preserve the exploitative dominance of non-African airlines.
This narrative suggests that Madowo, like his predecessor Nima Elbagir, has been groomed and weaponized by Western media to hold back Africa’s progress. Elbagir faced similar accusations during the Western-backed war in Northern Ethiopia in 2021, where she was accused of colluding against Ethiopia.
The controversy escalated following Madowo’s coverage of an incident involving a Somali traveler affected by an overbooking irregularity with Ethiopian Airlines. While such irregularities are common in the airline industry, critics claim Madowo distorted the incident with falsehoods and amplified it to portray Ethiopian Airlines negatively. When his claims were debunked by other travelers and definitive corrections, Madowo allegedly coerced statements to validate his narrative instead of apologizing.
This has raised suspicions about Madowo’s presence at the airline at the time of the incident, with some suggesting it was not coincidental.
In response to Madowo’s coverage, many Africans have defended Ethiopian Airlines, emphasizing that overbooking irregularities occur in airlines worldwide. They argue that Madowo’s portrayal of the situation as a major and deliberate error is suspect, given his extensive travel experience and familiarity with such issues.
Prominent African voices on social media have also accused Madowo of being weaponized against African brands. A well-known Pan-African figure on X (formerly Twitter), using the handle @futurical, described Madowo as the “poster boy for CNN’s hit propaganda aimed at destroying iconic African brands,” specifically targeting Ethiopian Airlines. Madowo has yet to publicly deny these accusations, with only some of his fellow Kenyans offering unsatisfactory denials.
The controversy surrounding Larry Madowo’s coverage of Ethiopian Airlines highlights the complex dynamics of media influence, African progress, and global market competition. As Ethiopian Airlines continues to grow and solidify its position as a top global airline, it faces challenges not only from market competitors but also from narratives that may seek to undermine its success. The airline’s supporters argue that despite such efforts, Ethiopian Airlines remains a symbol of African excellence and potential on the global stage.
