Ethiopian Airlines Halts Tigray Flights After Airport Seizure

Ethiopian Airlines has temporarily suspended all flights to three airports in northern Tigray, citing the deteriorating security environment in the region. The carrier announced on Wednesday that services to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire would be halted immediately, leaving travelers without air connectivity to key destinations in the north.

According to local sources cited by Reuters and AFP, this suspension follows the overnight seizure of Mekelle airport by Tigrayan forces. The airport, which serves as the primary gateway for the Tigray region, was taken from federal police control, prompting the airline to cancel scheduled operations and issue apologies to affected customers.

TPLF Alliance Signals Escalation

The military move coincides with a significant political development announced on Sunday. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front stated that it has formed an alliance with six other armed groups across Ethiopia. The stated objective of this coalition is to challenge the current federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking a sharp escalation in tensions that had remained fragile since the recent peace agreements.

Rights organizations have raised concerns about forced recruitment campaigns by the TPLF in recent months. These actions suggest a deliberate preparation for renewed large-scale conflict, rather than isolated skirmishes. The airline’s suspension reflects the broader instability that is now permeating civilian infrastructure and daily life in the region.

Unresolved Consequences of Prior War

The current crisis is set against a backdrop of severe humanitarian need. The two-year civil war between 2020 and 2022 resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths, according to African Union figures. Although the Pretoria Peace Agreement ended hostilities, implementation has remained incomplete, leaving approximately one million people displaced and essential services in a state of disrepair.

As reported by Al Jazeera English, the region has not fully recovered from the devastation of the previous conflict. The resumption of clashes in late 2025 has reignited fears of a return to all-out war. The inability to secure lasting stability has created a volatile environment where military actions can rapidly disrupt critical infrastructure like aviation.

Broader Instability Across Ethiopia

Ethiopia faces concurrent security challenges in other major regions, including Oromia and Amhara, where rebellions continue to simmer. This multi-front instability complicates the federal government’s ability to project authority and maintain order. The situation in Tigray is not an isolated incident but part of a wider pattern of fragmentation and conflict that threatens national cohesion.

With the airline’s suspension in effect, the focus now turns to whether diplomatic channels can re-engage to de-escalate the situation. Observers are watching for any signs of negotiation or further military maneuvers that could determine whether this escalation leads to a broader conflict or a managed stand-off.