Eritrea Suspends Ethiopian Airlines Flights: A Closer Look
In a recent development, Eritrea has decided to suspend all flights by Ethiopian Airlines to its airspace, effective from September 30, 2024. Here are the key details:
Reason for Suspension:
Eritrean authorities accuse Ethiopian Airlines of several issues:
Malicious Trading Practices: The airline allegedly engaged in consistent and persistent malicious trading practices.
Passenger Complaints: Eritreans reported systemic and organized passengers’ luggage theft, pilferage, damage, prolonged delays, and loss with no compensation.
Price Hikes and Irregularities: Unjustified and unwarranted price hikes and other irregularities were also witnessed.
Ethiopian Airlines Ticket high prices Ethiopia to Eritrea
Ethiopian Airlines has been accused of charging Eritrean passengers excessively high prices, leading to a suspension of their operations in Eritrea. This is a serious allegation, and it’s unacceptable for an airline to engage in such discriminatory pricing practices.
1. Price gouging: Taking advantage of a lack of competition or a high demand for flights to charge excessive prices.
2. Discriminatory pricing: Charging different prices based on nationality, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics, which is a form of discrimination.
3. Unfair business practices: Engaging in unfair or deceptive business practices to maximize profits.
The suspension of Ethiopian Airlines’ operations in Eritrea is likely a response to these allegations, and the airline should investigate and address these concerns to ensure fair and transparent pricing practices for all passengers.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Response:
Ethiopian Airlines confirmed receiving the notice from Eritrean officials.
They are seeking clarification and are committed to resolving any issues amicably and promptly.
Background:
Ethiopian Airlines had resumed flights to Asmara in July 2018 after the normalization of relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
It is Africa’s largest airline in terms of revenue, profit, fleet, and passengers¹.
Impact:
Travelers planning to fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Eritrea should adjust their plans.
Turkish, Saudi, and Egyptian airlines continue to operate regular flights to Eritrea.
This suspension highlights the tensions and challenges in aviation relations between the two neighboring countries. As the situation unfolds, travelers and stakeholders will closely monitor further developments.