Ethiopian Airlines announced on Wednesday that it has suspended flights to three airports in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. The decision was made due to the current situation in the region, the airline said on social media. The suspended flights are to Mekele, the capital of Tigray, and the cities of Shair and Axum. This move comes after the Tigray forces took control of Mekele's main airport.
The Tigray forces, who are opposed to the federal government, seized control of the airport in Mekele and took over its administration from the federal police. An employee at Alula Aba Nega airport in Mekele told France Press that they were informed by their supervisor that the Tigray forces had taken control of the airport while they were on their way to work. As there were no flights scheduled, they were told to return home.
The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region has been ongoing, with clashes reported in recent months, sparking fears of a return to full-scale war. The war between the federal forces and Tigray rebels lasted from 2020 to 2022, resulting in at least 600,000 deaths, according to the African Union. The situation remains volatile, with the Tigray People's Liberation Front announcing on Sunday that it had joined a new alliance with other armed groups opposed to the government.
The alliance brings together various armed groups from across the country, including from the regions of Oromia and Amhara, which are among the most populous areas of Ethiopia. The country is facing a number of rebel movements, and the government is working to address the security situation. The Ethiopian government has not made an official statement on the suspension of flights or the situation in Tigray.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar showed that a morning flight between Mekele and the federal capital Addis Ababa was cancelled on Wednesday. The situation in Tigray remains uncertain, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The region has been affected by the conflict, with many civilians caught in the middle.
The conflict has also raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with the African Union and other organizations working to facilitate talks between the parties. The situation remains volatile, and further developments are expected.
The suspension of flights by Ethiopian Airlines is a significant development, given the importance of air transport in the region. The airline is one of the main carriers in the region, and the suspension of flights will likely have an impact on the local economy and humanitarian efforts. The situation in Tigray remains a concern, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
Key points
- Ethiopian Airlines suspends flights to three airports in Tigray region due to security concerns
- Tigray forces take control of Mekele's main airport, leading to suspension of flights
- Conflict in Tigray region has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns and instability
