MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Ethiopian Airlines would resume flights to the Somali capital, Mogadishu next week for the first time in 41 years, a source confirmed Wednesday.
The direct flights between Mogadishu and Addis-Ababa were suspended in 1977 after the countries engaged in a deadly gun battle over territories of Somali western which was then under the rule of Ethiopia.
Thousands of soldiers from both countries were killed in the battle.
According to a source privy to the development, the re-launch of direct flights between Mogadishu and Addis-Ababa came at the request of Somali business people from both countries.
“Business people in Somalia and Ethiopia, mainly, Somali community requested the government of Ethiopia to lift the direct flight suspension,” said the source, “Therefore the request was accepted and direct flights will resume next week.”
The Ethiopian National Career is expected to be the first airline to open up the airspace between Somalia and its home country.
The source said Ethiopian Airlines will introduce three weekly flights to the country.
“The investment and trade opportunities presented by this direct flight will certainly add value to both countries,” he said.
The move comes barely two months after Somalia and Ethiopia agreed on a joint investment in Somali ports.
The agreement followed the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu in Mid June.
Mr. Abiy held talks with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on the joint investment in four key seaports between the two countries.
The two leaders also agreed on the construction of the main road networks and arteries that would link Somalia to mainland Ethiopia.
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