29 February 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines has issued a statement regarding a near-miss incident that occurred on Saturday, February 16, 2026, involving its flight ET-602 and a Qatari Airways plane (QR-6U) in Somalia’s airspace.
The airline claims the incident was caused by an error by air traffic controllers in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Ethiopian Airlines flight ET-602 was flying at 39,000 feet when it received a traffic advisory about another aircraft approaching. The Qatari Airways plane, initially flying at 38,000 feet, received clearance to climb to 40,000 feet, putting them on a near-collision course.
Both aircraft were equipped with Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) which alerted pilots and ensured they maintained safe separation.
Ethiopian Airlines reported the incident to the aviation authorities of Ethiopia and Somalia for investigation and corrective action. Qatar Airways also reported the incident to the relevant authorities.
Somaliland aviation authority claimed the planes were dangerously close to colliding and credited the TCAS system for preventing a disaster.
Somali aviation authority disputed this claim, stating the distance between the planes was within normal safety parameters.
Ethiopian Airlines emphasizes that pilots of both planes followed established procedures and safely landed at their respective destinations.They prioritize passenger safety and are cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident.
