First Commercial Flight in 20 Years Leaves Ethiopia for Eritrea

Ethiopian Airlines said that flight ET0312 to Asmara had departed Bole International Airport, after a ceremony inaugurating the historic flight.

Roses and champagne have been given to passengers on the first commercial flight on Wednesday July 18,2018 between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 20 years.

Ethiopian Airlines said its "bird of peace" flew to Eritrea, after the end of the "state of war".
"I am in cloud nine," flight captain Yosef Hailu told

Relatives and friends are expected to be reunited for the first time since a 1998-2000 border war between the two nations shut air and road travel.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has spearheaded a peace process with Eritrea since he took office in April.

He signed a "peace and friendship" agreement with Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki on July 09,2018 declaring that the "state of war" was over.

The deal was signed in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, during the first visit by an Ethiopian head of state to the country in 20 years.

Mr Isaias made a reciprocal visit to Ethiopia about a week later.

The two leaders agreed to restore diplomatic ties, and resume air and road travel.

Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was among the passengers on the historic flight.

He told that he was emotional about making the trip.

"It's a golden moment for the two countries and the two people," he said.

Ethiopia Airlines tweeted a picture of the pilots in the cockpit before take-off.