Travel agencies in Zambia are urging Ethiopian Airlines to reverse the recent increase in airfares to Dubai following a severe drop off in customers. Fares to Dubai were hiked up on March 10, 2011 from US$1,080 to $1,940, which the travel agents claim was for no good reason.
Ethiopian Airlines vice-president for marketing Yeneneh Tekleyes has stated that the airline is making consultations for a possible reduction in airfares to Dubai. He confirmed that the fare hike was due to high fuel prices but that “Ethiopian Airlines remains the cheapest airline on the continent”.