Ethiopian Airlines has been thrust into the spotlight following a viral video showing a passenger being forcibly removed from a flight after a minister took her seat. The incident, which occurred on July 19, 2024, has sparked widespread criticism and calls for a boycott of the airline. The video, captured by CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, shows a young Somali woman arguing with flight attendants as they attempt to remove her from the plane. According to Madowo, the woman was removed to accommodate a minister, and the airline did not apologize or offer an explanation.
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The incident has raised questions about the treatment of passengers and the airline's handling of overbooking situations. Ethiopian Airlines has issued a statement clarifying the events, stating that the flight experienced an overbooking situation and that the affected passengers were accommodated on the next available flight. The airline emphasized that the standby passengers were booked in economy class and that their seating was not influenced by the presence of a non-Ethiopian national VIP passenger in business class. However, the incident has generated significant attention and criticism on social media, with many calling for better treatment of passengers and more transparency from airlines regarding overbooking policies.
Ethiopian Airlines has a history of incidents involving the removal of passengers. In 2019, the airline apologized after a video showed a man being forced off a plane following a dispute over a seat. The airline has also faced criticism for its handling of the crash of Flight ET302 in 2019, which killed all 157 people on board. The incident comes at a time when airlines are facing increased scrutiny over their treatment of passengers.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents involving the forcible removal of passengers, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability from airlines. Despite the airline's explanation, the incident has left many questioning the airline's commitment to passenger safety and comfort. As the airline continues to investigate the incident, it remains to be seen how it will address the concerns raised by passengers and the public.