Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it has suspended its operations to over 80 destinations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite airlines all over the world cancelling operations due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ethiopian Airlines continued flying to major destinations including China.
Reportedly, the carrier will continue flying to Washington and Hong Kong.
The carrier further revealed that its cargo flights will continue flying to all of its international destinations.
Earlier this week, the airlines announced that all ticket offices in the country would be closed as part of the social distancing policy to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the airline said, “As part of COVID-19 containment strategy, Ethiopian will temporarily close all its ticket offices in Ethiopia effective March 30, 2020.”
The airline also continues flying to its regional destinations, however, demand has reduced by almost 50 percent, according to the carrier.
Last week, Ethiopian Airlines announced suspending 30 flights and losing $190 million because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite criticism for not cancelling its flights to China, the carrier last week flew to China and carried back 108 tonnes of medical supplies donated by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
Alibaba head Jack Ma pledged on 17 March through his foundation to send every African country 100,000 masks, 20,000 test kits and 1,000 medical protective suits.
Africa-based state-owned Kenya Airways also recently suspended all of its international operations and plans to restrict the operations of its domestic flights following a state order banning international flights on the back of the coronavirus epidemic.
Last week, South African Airways announced that it will cancel all international flights till May 31. However, recently the airline announced that it is cancelling all its domestic and regional operations till May 31 as well.