Eritrea’s Civil Aviation Authority has filed a lawsuit against Ethiopian Airlines, seeking $3 million in compensation for the loss of 450 pieces of luggage. Local media in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, reported on the case, though the exact filing date remains unspecified.
Additionally, Eritrea is claiming $570,000 for services provided to Ethiopian Airlines 25 years ago that allegedly remain unpaid, according to the Eritrean news source TesfaNews. Ethiopian Airlines has not commented on the lawsuit, and it is unclear whether they have been formally notified.
Earlier this September, Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Eritrea, citing difficulties after the Eritrean government reportedly froze the airline’s Asmara bank accounts. The freeze, according to the airline, hindered its ability to process payments to the Eritrean government and its employees in Eritrea. Prior to this, Ethiopian Airlines operated two daily flights to Asmara.
The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority had previously raised concerns over unfair ticket pricing and frequent instances of lost luggage in recent months.