The Ethiopian Airlines has issued a statement on the viral video capturing an agitated passenger lamenting that she had been removed from her seat.
In the video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo on TikTok, the passenger, visibly upset, is heard criticizing the airline’s staff stating that they had allocated her seat to a VIP.
As she aired out her frustrations, a cabin crew member is heard asking her to step aside to talk.
However, the lady furiously responds; “Let’s talk here, you’re funny. Do not touch me! Do not touch me! I can’t do this because it’s your favorite people! Everyone is a taxpayer!”
She was then forcefully removed from the plane.
However, in a response today, the airline dismissed the lady’s claims noting that there was a misunderstanding leading to the distorted belief that their seats had been allocated to a VIP.
Ethiopian Airlines explained that the flight experienced an overbooking situation and the three individuals with standby economy class boarding pass arrived at the boarding gate.
The airline continued that the boarding agent advised the three that the flight was full and they would be protected on the next flight.
Despite the warning, the three tried to board the plane bypassing security personnel.
“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. One passenger acquiesced to this request,” the airline said.
Official Statement Regarding Recent Video Circulation
Ethiopian Airlines has watched the circulation of a viral video on various social media platforms depicting a passenger being removed from flight ET308 on July 19th, from Addis Ababa to Nairobi.— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) July 21, 2024
While reiterating that the presence of a minister did not influence the events, the airline assured customers that it adheres to a standard protocol regardless of status.
“While the remaining two were escorted off the aircraft by security due to non-compliance. It is pertinent to mention that these passengers were booked in economy class, and their seating was in no way influenced by the presence of a non-Ethiopian national VIP passenger in business class.
“Ethiopian Airlines follows a standard protocol wherein VIPs, Business Class Passengers, and Platinum ShebaMiles members are allowed to board subsequent to the seating of all other passengers,” the airline added.