By our staff reporter
January 18 was a day that passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines ET106 flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele will never forget. What should have been a routine landing turned into a heart-stopping moment as the aircraft skidded off the runway at Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekele. The cause? An alleged flat tire that sent shockwaves of panic through the cabin.
As the midday sun bathed the airport in its warm glow, the pilot skillfully maneuvered the aircraft for landing. However, as the wheels made contact with the runway, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. The alleged flat tire made its presence known, causing the aircraft to veer off course and skid off the runway with a jolt.
Inside the cabin, passengers held their breath as the plane came to a sudden halt. The collective gasp of relief filled the air as they realized that, against all odds, everyone had escaped unharmed. Miraculously, not a single passenger suffered any injuries or incidents during this heart-pounding ordeal.
The swift response and professionalism exhibited by the Ethiopian Airlines crew cannot be overstated. With calm precision, they immediately initiated the emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring the safe and efficient evacuation of all passengers. The cabin crew’s reassuring voices and swift actions helped to alleviate the anxiety that gripped the passengers.
As emergency personnel rushed to the scene, a sense of gratitude permeated the air. Passengers felt immense relief and expressed their appreciation for the airline staff’s quick thinking and ability to maintain composure during such a critical moment. Their professionalism and commitment to passenger safety were truly commendable.
Ethiopian Airlines, renowned for its impeccable safety standards, wasted no time in launching a thorough investigation into the incident.
Ethiopian Airlines released a statement about the incident saying “Ethiopian Airlines ET106/18 January which departed Addis Ababa at 12:30 Local time had a runway excursion after landing at Mekelle Alula Aba Nega International Airport at 14:10 Local time. All passengers and crew were disembarked safely with no injuries. We are conducting investigation to determine the cause of the incident. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience encountered.”
As the investigation progresses, passengers eagerly anticipate the findings, hoping that valuable insights will emerge to further enhance aviation safety. The incident at Alula Aba Nega Airport stands as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of Ethiopian Airlines, as well as the remarkable calmness and cooperation displayed by its passengers.
