Ethiopian Airlines Halts Tigray Flights Amid Airport Seizure

Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to three cities in the Tigray region of Ethiopia following the seizure of Mekelle airport by Tigrayan forces. The airline announced the suspension on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, citing the “current situation in the Tigray region.” This move impacts travel to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, leaving passengers with uncertainty about when services will resume.

The airline issued an apology to its customers for the inconvenience caused by this disruption. Flight tracking data confirmed the cancellation of a Mekelle-Addis Ababa flight on Wednesday morning. Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega Airport, the primary gateway to the Tigray capital, is now under the control of Tigrayan forces.

Tigrayan Forces Take Control of Mekelle Airport

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) reportedly took control of Mekelle airport from federal police. Reports indicate that armed fighters were present at the airport, though local witnesses did not report hearing any gunfire. These fighters were described as carrying light arms.

An airport employee shared that their supervisor informed them about the takeover, leading to staff being sent home as flights ceased. A taxi driver at the airport was also instructed to leave, with a warning that no flights would be landing. These accounts from airport workers and a driver describe the situation at the airfield itself.

Competing Claims Emerge Amid Military Activity

Tigray’s regional government stated that its forces had entered a “defensive war” in response to an alleged federal attack on Tigray. The government claimed its troops were ordered to retaliate against what it described as a “genocidal invasion.” This statement framed the TPLF’s actions as a defensive measure.

Getachew Reda, a cabinet minister and advisor to Ethiopia’s prime minister, described a wider military campaign. He stated that Tigrayan fighters had seized federally administered airports within Tigray and initiated offensives in the Afar and Amhara regions. Reda also reported that the TPLF had begun an “all-out offensive” against government positions in these neighboring areas. The regional government’s narrative positions its military actions as a direct response to the reported federal attack.

Renewed Tensions in the Tigray Region

This latest airport seizure follows a period of renewed tensions in the Tigray region. The TPLF previously engaged in a civil war with Ethiopia’s federal government from 2020 to 2022. Although a peace deal was reached, tensions have resurfaced. The region also experienced a suspension of flights to Tigray in January due to renewed military activity.

The current events also come shortly after the TPLF announced an alliance with six other armed groups. This coalition aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power. The suspension of flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Ethiopian Airlines adds another layer of disruption to the already volatile situation in the region. The airline has committed to informing customers once flight operations are able to resume.

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