Ethiopian Airlines, the state-owned flag carrier, announced a suspension of all commercial flights to three airports within Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. This operational change comes in the wake of escalating instability in the area, specifically following reports that Tigrayan forces have seized control of the airport in Mekelle, the regional capital.

While the airline has confirmed the suspension, the duration of the flight stoppage remains unclear. The move effectively cuts off air travel to a region already experiencing significant humanitarian and logistical challenges due to the ongoing conflict. The airline has not provided a specific timeline for when services might resume, stating only that the decision was made to ensure the safety of operations and personnel.

There is currently no official comment from the Ethiopian federal government regarding the specific security implications of the airport seizures, nor have Tigrayan forces issued a formal statement regarding the impact of their control on civilian aviation infrastructure. The suspension represents a significant disruption to regional connectivity, as air travel is often the most reliable method for transporting aid and essential personnel into the area. The situation remains fluid as both regional and federal authorities navigate the implications of the shift in control over these key transport hubs.