Ethiopian Airlines will look to reintroduce flights to Eritrea by mid-September, two decades after a border conflict upended relations between the neighbouring countries.
At a state dinner for a visiting Eritrean delegation, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said: “Artists, prepare yourselves since we will celebrate the (Ethiopian) New Year (on September 11) in both Asmara and Addis Ababa,” he said on Tuesday.
“For Ethiopians who have longed for heading to Massawa (in Eritrea) for a stroll, I call on you to be ready as Ethiopian Airlines will start services there soon.”
As part of a series of reforms announced by Abiy since coming to power in April, shares in Ethiopian Airlines will be sold as part of a privatisation programme which will see the state maintain a majority stake.