Challenges and Unresolved Issues Lead to Suspension of Service Effective September 3, 2024
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of its flights to Eritrea, effective September 3, 2024, due to a series of operational and financial challenges. The airline’s CEO, Mesfin Tasew, provided details on the difficulties encountered, explaining that the suspension was a result of unresolved disputes with the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority.
During a media briefing, Tasew outlined the various issues that led to the decision. He noted that despite Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to maintain flights to Eritrea over the past six years, the situation had become untenable. The airline had previously operated flights twice a week between Ethiopia and Eritrea, serving numerous customers.
One significant issue mentioned was the freezing of Ethiopian Airlines’ Asmara station revenue account by Eritrean authorities. Tasew reported that the airline had made repeated attempts to address the matter but received no satisfactory explanation from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority.
Additionally, Tasew highlighted a complaint received on March 26, 2024, from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority concerning delays in customer luggage. The airline requested a list of affected customers to address the issue but did not receive a response.
These unresolved problems, coupled with increasing pressures from the Eritrean authorities, led Ethiopian Airlines to suspend its flights to Asmara. Tasew expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging the inconvenience it would cause to customers. The airline has promised to make alternative arrangements for those who had already booked flights to Asmara and will offer full refunds to affected passengers.
The suspension marks a significant change in travel arrangements between Ethiopia and Eritrea and underscores ongoing operational challenges faced by international airlines operating in the region.
