Ethiopian Airlines Halts Flights as Eritrea Freezes Bank Account

Ethiopian Airlines has suspended its flights to Eritrea after the Eritrean government froze its bank account. Airline officials stated that this action is the main reason for the immediate halt in operations.

The airline plans to reroute its international flights to avoid the airspace of Eritrea and explore alternative options if needed. Currently, Eritrea owes Ethiopian Airlines about $3 million in unpaid ticket sales. Although Eritrea proposed to settle the debt in Nakfa, Ethiopia rejected this offer. The exact amount frozen in the airline’s account remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki is in China attending a conference, which adds complexity to the situation.

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of its flights to and from Asmara, Eritrea, effective September 3, 2024.

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