Ethiopian Airlines suspends flights to Eritrea

Ethiopian Airlines has halted its flights to Asmara, Eritrea, due to challenging operating conditions that are beyond its control. This decision follows an announcement from the Eritrean government in July, stating that the airline would be prohibited from operating in the country by the end of the month. The airline had previously resumed flights between the two nations six years ago after a lengthy hiatus, symbolizing a thaw in relations after decades of conflict. The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority accused Ethiopian Airlines of engaging in 'malicious trading practices' and expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's operations. Despite efforts to resolve these issues, the Eritrean authorities claimed that their attempts yielded no results. Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has committed to rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights at no extra cost, although these may involve longer travel routes. The suspension of flights has raised concerns among travelers and observers about the deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two countries had previously celebrated the resumption of air travel in 2018, following a peace agreement that earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize. However, tensions have resurfaced, particularly after the civil war in Ethiopia's Tigray region and Abiy's recent statements regarding access to a Red Sea port. With the airlink now suspended and the land border closed, the only remaining connection between the two nations is through telecom services, highlighting the fragile state of their relationship and the potential for further escalation in tensions.