Somaliland and Ethiopia to boost travel
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines will introduce direct flights from Addis Ababa to the Somaliland seaport town Berbera from July 1, 2012, this was confirmed by Hargeisa.
Somaliland aviation minister Mohamud Hashi Abdi said the Ethiopian national carrier will fly to Berbera seven-times daily.
He stated that he has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Office of Ethiopia’s civil aviation authority and the Ethiopian Airlines on Thursday while in Addis Ababa.
Mr. Abdi said the Ethiopian carrier, who halted its services to the capital Hargeisa in 2008 due to security issues, has reviewed its concerns and was satisfied with its findings. He pointed out that surveillance equipment were installed and the airport in Berbera has been upgraded recently.
He added that Ethiopian will resume its flights to Hargeisa once upgrade work is completed making it its 43 international destination in Africa.
The aviation minister also pointed out that the launching of Ethiopian Airline’s direct flight to Berbera will strengthen the relationship between Somaliland and Addis Ababa. The minister hopes the route will enhance trade between the two brotherly countries.
Along with increasing the level of convenience for those travelling to Somaliland, Somalis will also be able to take advantage of the Addis Ababa hub airport for flights through to North America, Europe and the Middle East.
The airline will operate three morning and four afternoon flights using its Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
While in the Ethiopian capital, Mr. Abdi also held high-level talks with senior government officials.
Source: somalilandpress.com
