Ethiopian Airlines resumes Pakistan flights after 20-year hiatus

KARACHI: After a hiatus of nearly 20 years, Ethiopian Airlines, a prominent aviation group in Africa, resumed its direct flights to Pakistan today (Tuesday), ARY News reported.

The first direct flight, with 110 passengers onboard landed at Jinnah International Airport Karachi on Tuesday.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and his delegation, accompanied by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Ikramullah Dharejo, and Murtaza Wahab, welcomed the flight at the Karachi airport.

“We are excited to return to Karachi nearly two decades after we last served the city. As the most populous city in Pakistan, Karachi will be a crucial gateway to Pakistan and the wider South Asia region,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew while commenting on the resumption of services to Karachi, according to the company’s website.

“As the only flight connecting Pakistan with Africa, the planned service to Karachi will have a significant contribution in strengthening the diplomatic and economic relations between the two regions,” he added.

However, the airline will now operate four weekly direct flights to Karachi after having completed the prerequisites.

The Ethiopian flag carrier previously operated the Addis Ababa-Karachi route between 1966 and 1971, and again between 1993 and 2004.