The General manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firihewot Mekonnen has denied that the company has any existing contract with the Nigerian government for the evacuation of its citizens stranded in Canada.
“Ethiopian Airlines is not yet contracted to evacuate Nigerians from Canada. That is the responsibility of the Nigerian government and its agencies to choose partners for such evacuation.
“Ethiopian Airlines as an airline is ready to operate any flight for evacuation when requested by the respective government and agencies.”
The airline has however been carrying out evacuation flights for Canadians that have been in the country during the pandemic, having evacuated 187 Canadians and also Nigerians who have a residency permit for Canada.
“As of now the Airline has already operated such flights and is having an ongoing discussion to evacuate Canadians and Canada resident permit holders from Nigeria.”