Ethiopian Airlines has responded to mounting criticism over alleged excessive ticket prices for flights to northern Ethiopia during the recent Tsion celebration in Aksum.
Social media users voiced frustrations last week, claiming the airline charged exorbitant fares. Some reports indicated passengers paid as much as 45,000 Ethiopian birr (approximately $350) for a short 60-kilometer journey between Shire and Aksum.
In an effort to address these concerns, Hana Atinafu, Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at Ethiopian Airlines, appeared on state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporation. She was joined by Hailemelekot Mamo, Deputy President of Ethiopian Airlines Holiday and Digital Sales, and Fikre Digafe, Director of Ethiopian Express and Regional Airports, to shed light on the matter.
The officials outlined the airline’s preparations for the annual Tsion celebration, including the addition of 40 extra flights to meet increased demand. “This is a routine adjustment for us. When passenger numbers rise, we deploy more aircraft, as we did this time,” explained Fikre.
Clarifying Pricing Policies
The airline denied increasing ticket prices following recent economic reforms that included the depreciation of the Ethiopian birr. They explained that fare variations depend on factors such as a passenger’s residency status. Residents typically pay fixed fares, while non-residents are charged based on fluctuating exchange rates.
Officials also highlighted operational challenges, noting that flights to Aksum were frequently fully booked, but return flights carried fewer passengers. This imbalance, coupled with the deployment of larger aircraft usually reserved for international routes, influenced the pricing structure for the additional flights.
As for the specific complaint regarding Shire-Aksum flights, the airline clarified that no direct flights exist between the two cities. The reported high prices reflected fares for flights originating in Addis Ababa.
Responding to Broader Criticism
Ethiopian Airlines acknowledged ongoing scrutiny over pricing, flight delays, and other issues, which they attribute to a coordinated smear campaign, including allegations from Eritrean government sources. Despite these challenges, the airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining high service standards, as evidenced by its numerous international accolades.
Ethiopian Airlines remains one of Africa’s most celebrated carriers, even as it navigates increasing public and political pressures.
