Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of all flights to and from Asmara, Eritrea, effective today. The decision comes in response to what the airline described as “very difficult operating conditions” within Eritrea, which it claims are beyond its control.
This suspension follows a notice issued by the Eritrean government in July, which had already cast doubt on the airline’s continued operations in the country. Many Eritreans had previously expressed grievances over what they perceived as unfair treatment and excessive pricing by the airline. Some experts suggest that these widespread complaints may have influenced the Eritrean government’s decision to issue the notice. The suspension of flights now adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two nations.