Eritrea Grounds Ethiopian Airlines Flights Over ‘Unfair Practices

July 24,2024: Eritrea has suspended all Ethiopian Airlines flights, accusing the airline of engaging in unfair trading practices. The Eritrean Aviation Authority announced the suspension, citing unresolved issues including baggage theft and price hikes. Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea will be halted as of September 30, 2024.

Eritrean officials have accused Ethiopian Airlines of “malicious trading practices” and stated that repeated calls to address these concerns have gone unanswered. In response, Ethiopian Airlines described the suspension as an act of “blackmail” and rejected the accusations.

A spokesperson for Ethiopian Airlines expressed disappointment over the sudden decision and emphasized the airline’s efforts to resolve the issue. “We are saddened by this abrupt decision and are trying to contact the relevant Eritrean authorities for clarification. We are also using all means to engage in dialogue for a possible reversal of the decision,” the spokesperson said.

This development marks a significant strain in the aviation relationship between the two neighboring countries, with potential impacts on travelers and bilateral relations. The airline has committed to continuing efforts to address Eritrea’s concerns and resume normal operations as soon as possible.