After a hiatus of nearly two decades, Ethiopian Airlines restarted service to Pakistan this week. With 110 passengers onboard, the flight arrived in Karachi on Monday, formally completing the prerequisites to re-launch the service.
The airline will operate multiple flights per week between Addis Ababa and Karachi. Jamal Bakir Abdullah, the Ambassador of Ethiopia, said the service promotes trade and tourism between both countries.
A warm welcome
According to SAMAA, Ethiopian officials, diplomats, and a trade delegation flew in on Monday’s flight that completed the prerequisites. They were welcomed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and his team, as well as other Pakistani officials, including Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Ikramullah Dharejo, and Murtaza Wahab.
The flight was operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 and arrived right on time. Video on social media shows the officials exiting the plane via airstairs.
The new flights come as several foreign airlines have faced challenges operating in Pakistan. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew spoke about the airline returning to Pakistan.
“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. As the only flight connecting Pakistan with Africa, the planned service to Karachi will have significant contribution in strengthening the diplomatic and economic relations between the two regions. It will also offer convenient air connectivity to the growing number of Pakistani investors in Africa as well as tourists.”
Improving trade and the economy
The resumed service is expected to strengthen the relations between both countries and boost the economy. The airline will operate four flights per week, according to ARY News.
“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,” Tasew said to ARY News.
Nearly 40 destinations in Asia
Ethiopian’s Foreign Minister will reportedly fly to Karachi on the first flight of the regular operation on Tuesday. Abdulla mentioned that Ethiopia is a significant market and attracts trade from several diverse sectors in Pakistan, such as pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, etc.
To celebrate the resumed flights, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Misganu Arega and the delegation will visit Pakistan for two days. During the visit, both Arega and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, are expected to open the Embassy of Ethiopia from Islamabad, according to ARY News.
Photo: Markus Mainka I Shutterstock.
Karachi is the airline’s 37th destination in Asia. In March, the carrier finalized preparations to begin the flights. In July 1966, Ethiopian Airlines inaugurated service to Karachi and served the city until December 1971. Service then resumed in June 1993 and lasted until 2004. Currently, the carrier serves more than 145 domestic and international cargo destinations.
Sources: ARY News (1), (2), SAMMA