ETHIOPIAN Airlines passengers who were scheduled to leave for Addis Ababa yesterday got stranded after the aeroplane they were to board burst two tyres on landing at the Lusaka International Airport.

The aeroplane was flying from Ethiopia via Malawi.

Sources said the passengers who were stranded were only expected to leave for Ethiopia today when another plane arrives.

"The passengers can't start off today because the plane has been grounded. They will only leave for Ethiopia tomorrow when another plane arrives," the source said.

As per regulation, Ethiopian Airlines management was expected to accommodate the stranded passengers at a hotel of its choice in readiness for departure tomorrow.