Ethiopian Airlines and Rivers State reach agreement on permanent Port Harcourt service

Ethiopian Airlines and the Rivers State Government reached (10-Oct-2019) an agreement in principle for the permanent operation of international services at Port Harcourt International Airport, subject to approval by federal authorities. Ethiopian Airlines acting CCO Esayas WoldeMariam said the airline is "willing and capable to fly into Port Harcourt on a regular basis" but noted the carrier has exhausted its entitlements under the Ethiopia-Nigeria bilateral air services agreement and the proposed Port Harcourt service will require additional approval from Nigeria's Government. Mr WoldeMariam said Ethiopian Airlines will promote Port Harcourt as a tourist and investment destination and will in turn require the Rivers State Government to provide handling and infrastructure at Port Harcourt Airport to develop the market. As previously reported by CAPA, Ethiopian Airlines is temporarily operating Port Harcourt service until Nov-2019 during the closure of Enugu Akanu Ibiam International Airport for runway renovation. [more - original PR]