Ethiopian Airlines makes historic flight to Eritrea
Roses and champagne have been given to passengers on the first commercial flight between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 20 years.
(BBC) — Ethiopian Airlines said its “bird of peace” flew to Eritrea, after the end of the “state of war”.
“I am in cloud nine,” flight captain Yosef Hailu told the BBC.
Relatives and friends are expected to be reunited for the first time since a 1998-2000 border war between the two nations shut air and road travel.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has spearheaded a peace process with Eritrea since he took office in April.
He signed a “peace and friendship” agreement with Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki on 9 July, declaring that the “state of war” was over.
The deal was signed in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, during the first visit by an Ethiopian head of state to the country in 20 years.
Mr Isaias made a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia about a week later.
The two leaders agreed to restore diplomatic ties, and resume air and road travel.
Who was on the flight?
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was among the passengers on the historic flight.
He told the BBC’s Emmanuel Igunza that he was emotional about making the trip.
“It’s a golden moment for the two countries and the two people,” he said.
Captain Yosef said he was looking forward to meeting friends in Eritrea.
“I’m going back to the place where I grew up. I’m really happy,” he told the BBC.
Ethiopia Airlines tweeted a picture of the pilots in the cockpit before take-off.
More than 450 passengers were on board, Ethiopia’s privately owned Addis Standard news site reported.
Demand was so huge that a second flight left within 15 minutes, AFP news agency reported.
Why is this a big deal?
Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in 1993.
Five years later, their armies fought over disputed territory along their border.
Some 80,000 people were killed in the conflict.
A UN-backed boundary commission ruled in 2002 that Ethiopia should cede the town of Badme to Eritrea.
It refused, and the two countries remained in a state of “no war, no peace”.
Mr Abiy has promised to hand over territory, but it is unclear when this will happen.
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