Ethiopian Airlines denies reports of domestic flight cuts amid rising fuel costs

Ethiopian Airlines has pushed back against reports suggesting it could suspend or reduce domestic flights as jet fuel prices climb amid tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The airline said the claims were inaccurate and insisted operations across its domestic network remain unchanged. In a statement, the carrier reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining nationwide connectivity, describing the impact of the Middle East tensions as temporary and saying no risk mitigation measures have been introduced so far.

The response follows a report by Ethiopia Observer, which cited sources as saying the airline was considering suspending short-haul and domestic routes in an effort to cut jet fuel consumption.

Speaking to BBC Amharic, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha said flights are continuing “as normal” despite mounting fuel costs driven by instability in the region. He said domestic operations require relatively small amounts of fuel and are therefore less exposed to the recent price surge.

Rather than scaling back services, the airline is moving ahead with plans to expand its domestic network, Lemma said, pointing to new routes to Debre Markos, Mizan Teferi, Negele Borena and Goru.

Still, the executive acknowledged the financial strain caused by rising fuel prices, saying the airline’s fuel procurement costs have increased both locally and internationally, weighing on profitability.