Ethiopian Airlines Suspends Flights After Tigray Airport Capture

News Desk
ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of its scheduled commercial flights to three key airports in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region, following the recent seizure of Mekelle airport by Tigrayan forces.
The suspension marks a significant escalation in regional instability, cutting off essential air transport links to the area and severely restricting civilian movement and humanitarian access.
The disruption affects vital aviation routes connecting the federal capital to northern commercial hubs, compounding logistical challenges in a region already grappling with the aftermath of prolonged conflict.
Aviation authorities confirmed that operations would remain halted until security guarantees can be established, posing immediate obstacles for medical evacuations, trade, and administrative communications across the affected territories.
This sudden halt threatens to deepen economic isolation in the northern districts, halting domestic commerce and hindering the fragile peace process initiated to restore stability.
International observers and regional monitors have expressed growing concern over the safety of critical infrastructure, warning that the militarization of transport hubs could jeopardize broader diplomatic efforts aimed at lasting reconciliation.
Stakeholders anticipate emergency diplomatic consultations in the coming days as federal authorities and regional representatives weigh security assessments. Aviation officials will monitor security developments closely before announcing any potential timeline for the resumption of commercial air services to the northern sector.