US Authorities Investigating Two Ethiopian Stowaways

Excerpt from report in English by Ethiopian newspaper The Reporter on 26 January

The national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has started an investigation into how two stowaways managed to board its Boeing 767 aircraft that flew from Addis Ababa to Washington DC on Tuesday [22 January] evening, it was learnt.

Flight number ET 500 departed from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday at 22:30 hours [local time]. After a stopover in Rome for refuelling, the aircraft landed in Washington at Dulles International Airport on Wednesday [23 January] at about 15:00 hours. The two unidentified men who were on board unnoticed were found during a security inspection.

The public relations department of Ethiopian [Airlines] told The Reporter that the airline has not yet received official notification of the incident from US authorities. However, it said it was investigating how the individuals gained access to the aircraft, adding it will disclose the details when the ongoing investigation is finalized.

According to Ethiopian [Airlines], no passenger did get on the aircraft in Rome as the plane landed there only for refuelling. Officials of the Ethiopian Airports Administration were not available for comment. [Passage omitted]

Ethiopian [Airlines] could face a fine for carrying individuals who do not posses proper travel documents.

IATA [International Air Transport Association] and ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] regard Ethiopian [Airlines] as one of the few African carriers which have an excellent safety record.

Originally published by The Reporter, Addis Ababa, in English 26 Jan 08.

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