Ethiopian, Jambojet Suspend Goma Flights After M23 Attack
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) and Jambojet (JM) have suspended their international flights to Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo following a violent assault by M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by the Rwandan military. The attack targeted the city and its airport, leading to the immediate closure of local airspace and halting both international and domestic flight operations.
On January 26, UN special representative and head of the local MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) mission, Bintou Keita, addressed the UN Security Council during a briefing. She confirmed that M23 rebels had declared the airspace over Goma closed, effectively trapping UN personnel and civilians within the city without any incoming or outgoing flights. This sudden closure has left the region isolated, disrupting essential travel and humanitarian efforts.
Flightradar24 ADS-B data corroborates the suspension, showing no flights have departed or arrived in Goma since the attack. However, it is important to note that tracking coverage in this volatile region is limited and does not account for all possible movements of aircraft.
Despite the declaration by M23, there is no official Notice to Air Personnel (NOTAM) mandating the closure of Goma Airport or imposing any other formal restrictions on flight operations in the area. On January 28, Willy Ngoma, the spokesperson for M23, took to the social media platform X to announce that the airport had been secured. Nevertheless, he stated that flights had not yet resumed, leaving the future of air travel to and from Goma uncertain.
Goma, strategically located near the Rwanda border, has been a flashpoint for conflict for over three decades. The city has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire of various factions of Congolese rebels, some of which receive support from neighboring Rwanda. The ongoing instability has significant implications for regional security, humanitarian access, and economic activities.
The suspension of flights by Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet underscores the fragile security situation in Goma. Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s largest and most reputable carriers, along with Jambojet, a prominent Kenyan low-cost airline, play crucial roles in connecting the region with international destinations. Their decision to halt operations reflects the heightened risks posed by the recent rebel offensive and the broader instability in eastern Congo.
The closure of Goma’s airspace has immediate and far-reaching consequences. Humanitarian organizations relying on air transport to deliver aid and medical supplies are severely impacted, potentially exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations in the region. Additionally, the suspension disrupts the movement of officials and workers essential for peacekeeping and stabilization efforts led by MONUSCO.
Local businesses and residents also bear the brunt of this disruption. Goma serves as a key economic hub, and the inability to access international markets hampers trade and investment. The uncertainty surrounding the security situation makes it difficult for businesses to plan and operate effectively, further straining the local economy.
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful. Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution and restore stability in Goma are ongoing, but the path forward remains unclear. The role of external actors, including Rwanda, continues to be a point of contention, with allegations of support for rebel groups complicating diplomatic efforts.
In the meantime, the suspension of international flights to Goma by Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet stands as a stark reminder of the region’s persistent instability. The impact of the M23 attack extends beyond immediate security concerns, highlighting the interconnectedness of aviation, humanitarian aid, and regional politics in conflict zones.
As Goma awaits the resumption of flight operations, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of civilians and UN personnel, restoring secure airspace, and addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflict. The international aviation community will continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing operational decisions with the imperative to support peace and stability in one of Africa’s most troubled regions.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Ethiopian+Airlines
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com