Ethiopian Airlines suspends Eritrea flights after account frozen

Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia and one of Africa's largest airlines, has recently announced the suspension of flights to Eritrea following the freezing of its bank accounts. This decision underscores the complex interplay between economic operations and political relations in the Horn of Africa. The cessation of flights not only affects travel and trade between these two nations but also highlights broader implications for regional stability and economic interdependence.

The freezing of Ethiopian Airlines' accounts can be attributed to ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which have a long history marked by conflict and diplomatic strife. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, underlying issues remain unresolved, leading to sporadic hostilities that complicate diplomatic relations. The airline's decision to halt flights reflects its need to navigate these turbulent waters carefully while adhering to international financial regulations that may restrict its operations in politically sensitive contexts.

The carrier's CEO Mesfin Tasew told a news conference that the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority had blocked money transfers from Ethiopian Airlines' bank account in the Eritrean capital city Asmara.

Eritrea had previously said it would suspend all Ethiopian Airlines flights at the end of this month.

The Eritrean authorities said they had made “relentless calls” to EA to resolve the issues but said these efforts “bore no fruit”.

EA acknowledged receiving the suspension notice at the time but said that the specific reasons for the suspension had not been disclosed.

Many of those taking one of the two daily flights from Asmara to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, travel on from there to the rest of Africa, Europe and North America.

Several travellers in Eritrea told the BBC that they were surprised by the sudden suspension and were worried about the growing tension between the two countries.

Indirect flights to Asmara from Ethiopia beyond September 3 were still available on Ethiopian Airlines official website.

The Eritrean government, which is diplomatically isolated and does not allow any independent media, has not publicly commented on the July decision.

Relations were further aggravated by Mr Abiy’s pronouncement last year that his country wanted to secure access to a port on the Red Sea.

This raised concerns among neighbouring countries with coastlines, particularly Eritrea, whose secession in 1991 rendered Ethiopia landlocked.

With the land border closed, and the airlink between the two countries now suspended, telecom services are the only open connection between the neighbours.

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Sarah H

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