The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority has announced the suspension of all Ethiopian Airlines flights to Eritrea, effective from September 30, 2024.
The announcement, issued today by the Eritrean Ministry of Transport and Communications, has significant implications for air travel between the two neighboring countries.
In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines confirmed receiving a letter from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority on July 21, 2024, indicating the suspension of all flights to Asmara starting September 30, 2024.
Ethiopian Airlines expressed its intention to engage with the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority to resolve the issue positively.
The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority cited several reasons for the suspension, including “organized and systematic theft of luggage, unreasonable price increases, abuse, and non-payment of compensation.”
However, Ethiopian Airlines noted in its statement that the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority did not specify the reasons for the ban in their communication.
Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Eritrea in 2019 after a two-decade hiatus due to the war between the two nations.
The resumption of flights marked a significant milestone in the improving relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power. The inaugural flight, a Boeing 787, carried approximately 250 passengers to Asmara.
Despite the improvement in relations since 2019, recent developments indicate ongoing tensions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently mentioned to members of the House of Representatives that neighboring countries are working to prevent Ethiopia from achieving peace, though he did not specify any country by name.
Eritrea, which participated in the conflict in northern Ethiopia, has faced repeated calls to withdraw its troops from Ethiopia following the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa in 2022.
When the war started in northern Ethiopia following the attack on the National Defense Army Northern Command by TPLF, Eritrean army entered and fought on the side of the Ethiopian Defense Army.
The interim administration president of the Tigray region, Mr. Getachew Reda, stated three months ago that the Eritrean army has not yet left Ethiopia and still occupies several areas.
A year ago, a delegation from the Eritrean military visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute in Addis Ababa.
During their visit, they explored the capabilities of the artificial intelligence technology infrastructure and observed ongoing research and development activities.
General Abraha Kasa, the coordinator of the Eritrean army generals and senior military leaders group, remarked that their visit provided valuable insights and experiences for Eritrea.
In November 2023, the United States Department of State called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to refrain from violent actions.
Washington’s statement highlighted that the Eritrean army had not yet fully withdrawn from Ethiopia and urged both countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and avoid unnecessary aggression.
In response, the Eritrean Ministry of Information affirmed that their army remains within their own territory and has not occupied any land from Ethiopia.
