Ethiopian Airlines to Resume Flights to Mekelle After Three-Week Suspension

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to resume flights to Mekelle, the capital of the northern Tigray region, on 11 October after a three-week suspension linked to the security situation.

In a statement, the national carrier said ticket bookings would open on 9 October, allowing passengers to prepare for the return of services between Mekelle and other destinations, including the federal capital, Addis Ababa.

The airline suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum on 23 September, citing the “current situation” in Tigray without providing further details. Commercial flights to Shire and Axum remain suspended.

Security Situation Disrupted Air Travel

The suspension followed reports that forces linked to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) had taken control of airports in the region, raising concerns about the safety of civilian air travel.

The planned resumption comes after federal forces regained control of Mekelle last Sunday, according to the information provided. TPLF-aligned forces have reportedly retreated from the city over the past week, although security across Tigray remains volatile.

The latest developments follow a major escalation in fighting on 23 September, when TPLF forces launched an offensive against the Ethiopian army. The clashes marked a significant deterioration in security and were described as the most serious escalation since the 2020–2022 civil war.

Key Transport Link Set to Reopen

The return of flights to Mekelle is expected to restore an important transport connection between Tigray and the rest of Ethiopia. Air travel is particularly significant when insecurity disrupts road transport and limits movement between regional cities and the federal capital.

The resumption could help passengers travelling for work, family visits and essential services, while supporting the movement of people and commercial activity in the region.

However, the continued suspension of services to Shire and Axum indicates that normal air connectivity has not yet been restored across Tigray.

Regional Security Remains Uncertain

Despite the planned return of flights to Mekelle, the security situation remains a concern. The renewed fighting has raised questions about the durability of the latest changes in territorial control and the prospects for stability in northern Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to restart the route marks a step towards restoring civilian transport services, but further developments will determine whether air travel and other essential connections can resume more broadly across the region.