Eritrea Blockades Ethiopian Airline Flights

In a move that underscores deepening discord between neighboring nations, the government of Eritrea has announced a blockade on Ethiopian Airlines (EAL) flights into the country, effective at the end of September, 2024.

Ethiopian Airlines, which had been operating ten weekly flights to Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, since July, 2018, faced a sudden halt in its plans to expand services following a stark declaration from Eritrea’s transportation minister. The decision, as stated by Eritrea’s Minister of Transportation, was spurred by “expensive and unfair costs”.

The Transport Minister of Eritrea had recently requested EAL to increase the number of flights to fifteen per week, a move that contradicted allegations of price gauging by the Airline. The sudden decision to block all flights in light of this increased demand was unexpected. It indicated a politicized decision. Moreover, following the deferment of flights, the minister in Eritrea accused the Airline of lost luggage and theft, a charge that was refuted by EAL.

The simmering unhealthy rivalry between the two nations has reached renewed heights, fueled by Eritrea’s continued involvement in Ethiopia’s internal political and civil conflicts. Eritrea has faced international criticism for its role in exacerbating tensions within Ethiopia, providing shelter and support to various rebel groups and political entities. Eritrea has a history of training and arming rebels from bases within its borders, launching attacks on Ethiopia’s government.

Despite a 2018 peace agreement that formally ended hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, relations have deteriorated significantly in recent years, particularly following Ethiopia’s Tigray region conflict. Eritrea’s continued alleged interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs, including in regions like Oromia and Amhara, has further strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The decision to block EAL marks a culmination of tensions that have been brewing since late 2020, when Eritrean forces entered Ethiopia’s northern Tigray regional conflict. Observers and analysts have accused Eritrea of exploiting Ethiopia’s internal division to destabilize its neighbor further, a claim denied by Eritrean authorities.

As both countries navigate this turbulent period, the cessation of EAL flights to Asmara serves as a stark reminder of the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines regretted the decision and stated ‘it hopes the decision will be reversed and flights can once again resume as normal’.