,In recent times, Ethiopian Airline is almost tripled the round ticket prices from Asmara - Addis Abeba, despite the large number of diaspora visiting home, Eritrea. And, the Federal Government Immigration service is also giving unclear duties regarding the required visas.
Here are some points, discussed among the Eritrean Social Media users, and Ethiopian Airlines management office should address their client's issues immediately. (Courtesy of G_Haile & TesfaNews).
• TesfaNews Note - US $958 for economy class, round trip, to and from Asmara - Addis Ababa (Pictured below). Is this fare legit? If yes, what is the rationale behind such an exorbitant ticket price?
• For the sake of comparison, two years ago, I (TesfaNews editor) paid $270 for the same trip. What has changed since that warrants a 350% increase in the ticket price to Asmara?
1) There are several signs that Ethiopian Airlines isn't handling the Asmara sector flights properly and professionally. To mention some examples: Even though there is no visa requirement to travel to Addis on Eritrean passport from Eritrea the online check-in system doesn't allow you to complete it because it asks for visa details. That way Eritrean passengers miss out on online check-in & the extra 5kg allowance. This doesn't happen to all other international flights but affects Eritreans travelling to Addis from anywhere in the world.
2) According to Ethiopian immigration services, many African passport holders, including Eritreans, are eligible for "visa-on-arrival". However, Ethiopian Airlines demands visa details on its online check-in portal for Eritrean passport holders travelling to Ethiopia from anywhere.
3) The price of a return ticket Asmara-Addis has reached almost US$1000 & there is a penalty of US$122 to change flights. The ASM-ADD flight is only 1hr & excesses weight is at 1kg=US$8.00 or US$200 per 23kg extra luggage. (The same charge applies to flights to US).
4) All Ethiopian Airlines tickets are sold in USD cash only at the sole ticket office in Asmara. It's worrying to note that the airline is fast becoming one of the major business fueling the parallel market (as people can only get £$€from the black market)!
5) The Airline has only one ticket office in Eritrea and the queues are agonising, especially for those waiting outside, where there is no shade against the hot days and the torrential rains. Running such a lucrative business is highly undignifying. Imagine paying $1K for this.
6) There are ONLY 3 ticket agents at the ONLY ticket office in Eritrea serving ALL customers! This has reduced the customers to frustration, undignified treatment and utter humiliation. None of the officials there wants to hear any complaint!
7) Despite all the management and business plan problems, I must admit & appreciate the commitment & dedication of the ticket agents at the office in Asmara & the flight crew. The airport staff & airline management have much to be desired!
(FYI - behind the crippling Eritrean Airlines) - An existing decade-old U.S./EU sanctions prevent Eritrea from accessing loans, acquiring and leasing of planes, which affects the national carrier from maintaining regular operations even to neighbouring countries.
Thank you (G. Haile) & Tesfanews for a breakdown of the issues here, hope Ethiopian Airlines would resolve the unnecessary case.
NationalEr Interest