Two pilots fell asleep while flying a Boeing 737 from Khartoum, Sudan to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The plane was at an altitude of 37,000 feet. It was due to begin its descent to Addis Ababa's airport. Air traffic controllers said their radar showed the plane had overshot its destination. The pilots woke up after the autopilot disconnected and the alarm sounded. They turned around and landed the plane safely. No one on board was hurt.

The airline said: "We…received a report which indicates the Ethiopian flight…temporarily lost communication with air traffic control." It said the pilots "have been removed from operation pending further investigation". It added: "Appropriate corrective action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. Safety…will continue to be our first priority." An aviation analyst said pilot fatigue was one of the biggest threats to air safety.