Ethiopia: Flights Resume to Mekelle After Federal Forces Retake City

Commercial flights have resumed to Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, after a suspension lasting nearly three weeks.

Ethiopian Airlines halted services to Mekelle, Axum and Hire after fighters from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) seized the city and its airport on September 23. Federal forces recaptured Mekelle on October 3, prompting the return of air services.

Passengers arrived at Mekelle airport on Sunday, October 11, marking the first flights to the city in almost three weeks. Reports suggested that services could reach about five flights daily, depending on demand, although that figure was not confirmed.

The resumption comes amid renewed tensions in Tigray, which have raised concerns about the durability of the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year civil war.

Getachew Reda, an adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a former Tigray leader, promised “visible change” during a visit to the airport but did not provide further details.

The return of flights offers renewed transport access to the region as security and political tensions remain a concern.

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