Ethiopian Airlines has issued an official statement regarding a viral video circulating on various social media platforms showing a woman being removed from a flight upon boarding.
The video posted by CNN Correspondent Larry Madowo depicted a passenger being removed from flight ET308 on July 19th, from Addis Ababa to Nairobi.
Through a statement on its Twitter (X) account the Airline clarified that on the said date there was an overbooking situation involving three people who arrived at the boarding gate just before the departure time.
“We took the necessary time to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the factual information to the public. On the date mentioned above, the flight experienced an overbooking situation,” the statement read in part.
“Three individuals with standby economy class boarding pass arrived at the boarding gate just a few minutes before the scheduled departure time of the flight. The Boarding Agent advised them that the flight was full, and they would be protected on the next flight.”
PHOTO /Ethiopian Airline
Ethiopian Airlines Issues Statement
Ethiopian Airlines explained that the individuals ignored the advice of the Boarding Agent and attempted to board the aircraft bypassing security personnel at the boarding gate.
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The Airline said its staff members courteously asked these passengers to disembark and in the process one passenger acquiesced to this request, while the remaining two were escorted off the aircraft by security due to non-compliance.
“It is pertinent to mention that these passengers were booked in economy class, and their seating was in no way influenced by the presence of a non-Ethiopian national VIP passenger in business class. Ethiopian Airlines follows a standard protocol wherein VIPs, Business Class Passengers, and Platinum Sheba Miles members are allowed to board after the seating of all other passengers,” read another part of the statement.
The Airline dismissed claims that the passenger’s seat had been occupied by an Ethiopian minister which led to her being forced out of the plane.
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“A misapprehension arose among the standby passengers, leading to the distorted belief that their seats had been allocated to a VIP. This is not the case, and the circulating video does not reflect the true sequence of events,” the Airline explained.
“The passengers affected by the overbooking were protected on the next available flight. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.”
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