Ethiopian Airlines suspends flights to 80 destinations

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of all flights to 80 international destinations due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement the airline did confirm it would continue to provide cargo services to all cargo destinations and all domestic flights, despite a 50% drop in the domestic market.

The news comes just days after the Pan-African carrier delivered vital medical supplies, donated by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, to 39 countries around the continent.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, thanked both Mr Ma and Prime Minister Abiy, for giving the airline the opportunity to contribute to efforts being made against the coronavirus.

“We would like to thank our Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Mr. Jack Ma for giving us the opportunity to serve the people of Africa in this globally challenging time”, he said.

“With a guidance of our Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and donation of Mr. Jack Ma as well as collaboration of our partners, we are happy to announce that we have delivered the COVID-19 test kits, protective masks and other necessary medical supplies to 39 African countries in the last 5 days.

“In most of these African airports, Ethiopian Cargo airplanes are the only ones delivering these lifesaving emergency medical supplies.”

The delivery has so far exceeded the halfway mark with more distribution plans thought to be continued in the coming days.

Photo: Fana BC