Ethiopian Airlines, a leading African airline and member of Star Alliance, has suspended all flights to and from Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, starting September 3, 2024. This decision, announced in an official statement, comes as a result of “significant operational difficulties” in Eritrea, which the airline states are beyond its control. While the exact nature of these challenges has not been disclosed, they have been deemed substantial enough to necessitate the complete suspension of services.
The suspension of flights to Asmara presents a significant disruption for passengers who had planned to travel between Eritrea and other international destinations via Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network. Recognizing the inconvenience this may cause, the airline is committed to assisting affected passengers. Two options are being offered: rebooking on other airlines at no extra cost or receiving a full refund for their tickets.
Passengers are encouraged to contact Ethiopian Airlines immediately to adjust their travel plans. Assistance with rebooking or refund requests can be obtained through any Ethiopian Airlines office or by contacting the airline’s Global Call Center. The airline assures its customers that all refund requests will be processed promptly and without additional fees.
Ethiopian Airlines, which has been a major carrier connecting Eritrea to the world through its Addis Ababa hub, acknowledges the impact this suspension will have on travelers from Eritrea and the wider region. The suspension is expected to be particularly disruptive as Asmara’s connectivity to the outside world has historically been limited.
While no specific timeline has been provided for a potential return to service, Ethiopian Airlines has stated it will continue to monitor the operational environment in Eritrea. The airline will review the possibility of resuming flights when conditions improve.
Ethiopian Airlines, founded in 1945, is a national symbol of pride for Ethiopia and one of the few African airlines with a truly global reach. It operates flights to over 125 international destinations and has been instrumental in connecting Africa to the rest of the world. The airline has won numerous awards for its commitment to service, safety, and operational efficiency. The suspension of its Asmara route marks a rare but necessary move by Ethiopian Airlines as it navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing global travel environment. Despite this temporary suspension, the airline remains committed to delivering exceptional service to its passengers and hopes to resume flights to Asmara in the future.
