Ethiopian Airlines to Resume Mekelle Flights on 11 October

Ethiopian Airlines plans to restart flights to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, on 11 October after a three-week suspension linked to the security situation in the region.

The airline said passengers could begin booking tickets on 9 October. Commercial services to Shire and Axum, however, remain suspended.

Service halted in September

Flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum were suspended on 23 September, when Ethiopian Airlines cited the “current situation” in Tigray. The suspension followed reports that Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces had taken control of the airports.

The planned restoration of the Mekelle route would re-establish an important transport connection between Tigray and Addis Ababa.

Security situation remains volatile

The announcement comes after federal forces reportedly regained control of Mekelle the previous Sunday. The source also reported that Tigray People’s Liberation Front forces had withdrawn from the city during the preceding week.

The developments followed a major offensive launched by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front against the Ethiopian army on 23 September. The offensive was described as the most serious escalation since the 2020 to 2022 civil war.

The taking of Mekelle had been described as a major setback for the opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Despite the planned return of flights, security in Tigray remains volatile, and commercial services to Shire and Axum have not resumed.