Ethiopian Airlines said it has removed a crew from its operation after pilots, performing flight ET-343, allegedly fell asleep and temporarily lost communication with Addis Ababa Air Traffic Control, APA can report on Friday.
“We received a report which indicates Ethiopian flight number ET343 en route from Khartoum to Addis Ababa temporarily lost communication with Addis Ababa Air Traffic Control (ACT) on 15 August 2022,” the airlines said on Friday in a statement.
The auto piloted aircraft reportedly continued along the flight management system route set up for an approach to runway 25L at Addis Ababa airport without descending.
The Air Traffic Control tried to contact the crew numerous times without success, the Aviation Herald reported, alleging that the pilots were asleep.
After the autopilot disengaged, the disconnect wailer woke the crew up who then maneuvered the aircraft for a safe landing about 25 minutes after overflying the runway.
“The concerned Crew has been removed from operation pending further investigation,” the airlines said.
“Appropriate corrective action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. Safety has always been and will continue to be our first priority,” it added.
MG/as/APA