Suspending flights to China can’t be an immunity to prevent coronavirus: Airlines

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) said it will not suspend flights to China following an outbreak of the coronavirus.

Ethiopian currently operates a total of 35 flights per week to five gateways in China-Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong.

Ethiopian Group CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam told FBC that suspending flights to China cannot be an immunity to combat the spread of the virus to Ethiopia.

“Ethiopian operates many international flights and suspending flights only to China won’t be an immunity to prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.

“The only solution is to make the necessary care for passengers and staff,” the CEO noted.

The national flag carrier is undertaking strengthened measures against the virus at destinations where it serves and Bole international airport

He said “we respect the call by World Health Organization for countries not to close borders to travelers from China.”

According to the CEO, China is one of the strongest and oldest markets for Ethiopians.

Ethiopian has been connecting China with the entire continent of African for almost half a century and it is the airlines’ growth strategic market.