Ethiopian Airlines anticipates reduced profit margins due to rising fuel costs and Middle East tensions
via The Reporter Ethiopia3 min read
Ethiopian Airlines expects its profit margins to decrease this year, primarily due to escalating jet fuel prices and weakened demand on certain routes. CEO Mesfin Tasew stated that fuel now constitutes over half of the airline's operating expenses, up from approximately 40 percent. Jet fuel prices in Addis Ababa have nearly doubled, and average fuel costs across the airline's global network have increased by about 60 percent. This has led to a reduction in the Addis Ababa-Dubai service from three to two daily flights. Despite these challenges, Africa’s largest airline anticipates remaining profitable, though profit margins could be halved compared to earlier projections. The Ethiopian Airlines Group reported USD 4.4 billion in revenue during the first half of the 2025/26 fiscal year. The airline is also evaluating an order for approximately 25 smaller commercial aircraft, considering the Airbus A220, Embraer E2 family, and Boeing 737 MAX 7, with a decision expected within three months. This fleet expansion aims to replace older jets and enhance domestic and regional operations. These developments align with broader industry challenges; the International Air Transport Association IATA recently lowered its 2026 airline profitability forecast, citing rising fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East. IATA projects the industry's collective fuel bill to reach about USD 350 billion this year, up from USD 252 billion in 2025, with fuel accounting for nearly one-thir
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The National Election Board of Ethiopia NEBE has urged political parties that participated in the country’s seventh general election to submit complete and consolidated complaints regarding voting, vote counting, and result announcements by June 6. The NEBE stated it received complaints through various channels during voting, with some issues resolved and others under investigation. An independent team of legal experts is reviewing complaints. The Board noted that some complaints were incomplete or lacked sufficient supporting information, slowing the review process. Parties are asked to consolidate all grievances into a single submission, providing detailed information such as constituency names, polling stations, alleged violations, supporting evidence, and desired remedies. Potential complaints include voter intimidation, coercion, bribery, interference with ballot secrecy, exclusion of observers, fraudulent election documents, irregularities during vote counting, tampering with ballot boxes, improper tabulation, and delays in publishing results. Parties must also submit documentary, photographic, video, and witness evidence, and indicate if complaints were previously filed with polling station officials or grievance committees. Complainants must sign and certify the accuracy of information and include their political party's official seal. This notice was issued on June 5, 2026, as the board continues to process post-election complaints.
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