Gov Umahi blasts Ethiopian, Emirates Airlines over ‘sub-standard aircraft’ servicing Nigeria

David Umahi

Governor of Ebonyi, David Umahi, on Wednesday knocked the management of Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airlines.

NAN reports that he spoke while receiving a delegation of Ethiopian Airlines officials, who paid a courtesy visit on him in Abakiliki.

Umahi also said the State Government would build an airport next year.

“The State Government’s business consultants would also liaise with you to assist government officials, who intend travelling, to obtain discounted tickets,” he told the visitors.

Complaining about the quality of Ethiopian Airlines planes servicing Nigeria, he said: “Ethiopian Airlines send sub-standard aircraft to the country, especially the ones sent to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

“But when one gets to Ethiopia, the person flies on planes of higher standards. 

You should seriously deliberate with your management on this issue.

“I have also complained about Emirates Airlines on such issues as one flies on more beautiful airplanes on getting to Dubai.

“I will not allow such situations if I were Nigeria’s president because we have to be treated like citizens of other countries by the airlines.”

He also complained about the lengthy time passengers spend waiting to board Ethiopian Airline flights.

“I am the chairman of the South East Governors Forum and I’m not happy that no Ebonyi citizen works with the airline.

“We cannot patronize you if you do not patronize us as the Enugu centre is for the entire states in the South East zone.”

Umahi suggested that the airline should dedicate flights that would fly through Enugu to Abuja and Lagos, especially those that would fly in the evenings.

“The route to Lagos and Abuja from Enugu is viable and such flights can take passengers to those places by 4 p.m. and bring back those who want to return to Enugu by 5.p.m.”