For 41 years, there has not been a direct flight between Somalia and Ethiopia. But history is already changing.
Early Friday, the first flight from Addis Ababa landed in Mogadishu. Aboard the flight were 48 passengers who celebrated upon landing.
We’ve just landed Mogadishu aboard #Ethiopia|n ET 376 carrying 48 passengers, the first commercial flight from Addis Ababa to Mogadishu since 1977. Ceremony inside d plane when ET entered #Somalia airspace. pic.twitter.com/HxBEQ8tdYn
— Omar Faruk Osman (@OmarFarukOsman) November 9, 2018
Flights between the two countries stopped after the 1977 war over the Ogaden region.
Plans to resume the flights were discussed as part of improving relationships between the two nations following a meeting between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in June 2018.
Ethiopian Airlines is now expected to operate daily flights between the two capitals, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Here we are in #Mogadishu. #Regionalintegration #Panafricanism pic.twitter.com/mDSMSEmzmS
— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) November 9, 2018
This would be the second historic flight in the region after Ethiopia resumed flights to Eritrea since the 1998-2000 war.
The flights are expected to not only ease travel between the two countries but also help business as well as spur commercial activities.
Here’s how people have reacted to the news.
Welcome to #Mogadishu, we are happy to fly with you direct from Mogadishu. It means a lot for both #nations. Well done to both leaders. Great job!
— Mustapha.oa (@musdafahaji) November 9, 2018
Please give us more information details about your experience and the price.
— faisal-adnaan (@faisaladnaan1) November 9, 2018
Ethiopian tanks (2007) make room for Ethiopian Airlines (2018) at Mogadishu Airport. Hope for the Horn is rising. #Somalia #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/51SUyUi6P1
— Ali (@AliMohamoud) November 9, 2018
An #EthiopianAirlines plane has landed in the Somali capital #Mogadishu – the 1st such flight in 4 decades. All flights were halted in the 1970’s after a border conflict broke out between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/NSH8coAsuo
— IMJama (@ImanJaamac) November 9, 2018
The start of flights by @flyethiopian to #Mogadishu this morning is a welcome news for connectivity. It will enhance trade and investment and the movement of goods and people between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/EKUD7dxyNw
— Abdullahi Dool (@DoolAbdullahi) November 9, 2018
a new era is born out of the new leadership …going forward….its a good signal we are moving forward…
— Mandela Devis (@mandeladev) November 9, 2018
#Ethiopia #Mogadishu #Regionalintegration #Panafricanism https://t.co/gtL2sj7oQ4
— Tsion Belay Alene (@tsionbelay) November 9, 2018
#Ethiopian Airline resumes direct flight to Mogadishu first time in 42 years, this accurs while the leaders of #Somalia, #Eritrea & #Ethiopia have tripartite discussions on regional economic integration in Bar dahar, peace will create potentials 4 all but with risk of imbalances pic.twitter.com/7UjHwqppPs
— Ahmed Vision (@ahmedvision1) November 9, 2018
