Ethiopian Airlines continues to change the schedule of its flights from Addis Ababa to Moscow, which have not yet even launched. Instead of the originally planned Sheremetyevo Airport, the carrier has decided to use Domodedovo Airport, reports Travel.ru.
This is at least the third adjustment to plans for this route. Previously, the carrier reduced the planned flight frequency. Instead of the previously planned four flights per week, the schedule now only runs three. Then, instead of the original November 15th, the route's opening was moved to December 5th. Now, the Moscow airport has been changed, and departure and arrival times have been delayed by one to two hours.
Taken together, this suggests low demand and raises some doubts about whether the route will even open—especially since direct ticket prices remain high, starting at 37,538 rubles roundtrip. Meanwhile, connecting flights have seen a slight reduction—for example, to Johannesburg with a layover in Addis Ababa, at 43,684 rubles roundtrip.
As a reminder, flights are planned with a stopover in Istanbul. Departure from Addis Ababa on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is at 11:45 p.m., landing in Istanbul between 4:55 a.m. and 5:55 a.m., arriving in Moscow (Domodedovo Airport) at 8:45 a.m. Return flights depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:20 p.m., landing in Istanbul between 9:55 p.m. and 12:05 a.m., arriving in Addis Ababa at 5:25 a.m. Total travel time is 9-10 hours. Tickets are not available for sale on the Moscow-Istanbul route.
The route will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 has 270 seats: 24 business class seats (in a 2+2+2 layout, with seats that lie flat) and 246 economy class seats (in a 3+3+3 layout).
Russian citizens can obtain a visa to Ethiopia upon arrival. Furthermore, as of June 1, Ethiopia introduced online visa application in advance for citizens of all countries (this costs more than at the airport).
Source: travel.ru
