Carrier cites fuel disruptions and stranded passengers globally, while boosting flights in Nigeria……
Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has raised concerns over the ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis on global aviation, warning of mounting disruptions to jet fuel supply and passenger movement across key routes.
The crisis escalated following a series of military strikes involving Israel, the United States, and Iran earlier this year, intensifying geopolitical tensions and unsettling international travel and logistics networks.
Speaking in Lagos during the airline’s 80th anniversary celebration, its General Manager in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said the impact of the crisis is being felt far beyond the region.
According to her, the disruptions are affecting both fuel availability and passenger travel, with some travellers left stranded due to restricted airspace and sudden route changes.
“It is a global issue,” she said. “It is affecting fuel supply and also passengers being stranded in different countries, unable to return home.”
Despite these challenges, the airline says it has continued to prioritise passenger support, including operating evacuation and relief flights whenever airspace conditions permit.
Nigeria remains a bright spot
Even as global headwinds persist, Ethiopian Airlines is doubling down on its Nigerian operations, describing the country as a key growth market.
Mekonnen revealed that the airline has significantly ramped up its flight capacity over the past year. Weekly passenger flights have increased from 24 to 38 since July, while cargo operations have surged to between 50 and 60 flights weekly.
She noted that Nigeria is not just a destination but a strategic partner, with Lagos and Abuja serving as critical hubs for both passenger and cargo traffic.
“Our operations in Nigeria have grown substantially,” she said. “It’s a large and important market, and we see even more opportunities to expand alongside our partners and customers.”
Minimal operational hurdles
On operational challenges, Mekonnen pointed mainly to infrastructure limitations but maintained that overall operations in Nigeria have remained smooth. She added that the airline has not faced significant issues related to currency or market conditions.
Instead, she highlighted the airline’s competitive edge in fleet quality and customer experience, noting that passenger feedback often centres on aircraft comfort, onboard service, and seamless transit connections.
With modern aircraft and a strong service reputation, the airline says it continues to attract travellers beyond just pricing considerations.
Navigating uncertainty
As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the global aviation landscape, Ethiopian Airlines says it is focused on maintaining reliability while adapting to disruptions.
For now, the airline is balancing two realities: managing the external shocks of an unstable global environment while capitalising on growth opportunities in markets like Nigeria.
The outlook, it suggests, will depend largely on how quickly stability returns to key regions affecting global air travel.
