Representatives of Ethiopian Airlines welcome Chinese citizens evacuated from Yemen at Beijing Capital International Airport.

When flight ET604 landed at the Beijing Capital International Airport on April 2, the passengers included 43 Chinese citizens who had been evacuated from Yemen. With this, the number of Chinese nationals assisted by Ethiopian Airlines to evacuate from Yemen had reached 171.

Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, a very important hub between China and Africa, has been playing a vital role in the evacuation. Ethiopian Airlines has been flying Chinese nationals home with the assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The first step in the evacuation saw a Chinese navy frigate bring the Chinese from Aden Port in Yemen to the Port of Djibouti. From there, the evacuees flew to Beijing via Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Airlines. At the request of the Chinese Government, Ethiopian Airlines increased its passenger capacity on the flight between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, changing the aircraft from B787 to B777.

At the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines and Chinese Embassy staff worked together to cater for the waiting passengers and offer information and other services. The Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan, appreciated their efforts and support for the evacuation.

"As the first African airline connecting Africa and China, Ethiopian Airlines has been servicing the Chinese market for 42 years," said Konjit Tedla, Ethiopian Airlines' Regional Director of China, Mongolia and North Korea. "Ethiopian Airlines is committed to building an air friendship bridge between China and Africa, promoting bilateral exchanges and collaboration in the economy, trade, tourism and culture."

"We will continue offering safe, efficient and convenient services for the Chinese market," Tedlaadded.