Ethiopian Airlines has responded to a viral video showing a passenger complaining after allegedly being removed from her seat to accommodate a minister.
In the video, shared by CNN’s Larry Madowo, the passenger is seen arguing with flight attendants, demanding equality and insisting the minister should disembark instead.
The woman was eventually removed from the plane, visibly upset.
In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines clarified that there was a misunderstanding regarding the situation.
The airline explained that on Friday, July 19, flight ET308 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was overbooked.
Three passengers with standby economy class boarding passes arrived at the gate just minutes before the scheduled departure and were advised to take the next flight.
“However, they ignored the advice of the Boarding Agent and attempted to board the aircraft bypassing security personnel at the boarding gate.
Our staff members courteously asked these passengers to disembark,” the statement read in part.
The airline emphasized that the seating issue was not influenced by the presence of a minister in business class.
They assured that their boarding protocol involves VIPs, Business Class passengers, and Platinum ShebaMiles members boarding only after all other passengers are seated.
“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.”
“We extend our gratitude to our patrons for allowing us the chance to clarify these circumstances before forming any judgments.
Ethiopian Airlines is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all our passengers and to the adherence of our established operational guidelines.”
The airline confirmed that the three affected passengers took the next available flight.
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