World · Africa · 13 hrs ago
Flights to Mekelle resume after Ethiopian forces retake city
Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Mekelle on Sunday, the first passenger arrivals there in almost three weeks.
Mekelle is the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
The airline had suspended flights after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) seized the city and its airport on September 23.
Federal forces recaptured Mekelle on October 3, and TPLF fighters and leaders left the city.
Reports of around five flights a day are unconfirmed, and the number could rise if demand increases.
Renewed fighting has weakened the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year civil war, while tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have raised fears of wider conflict.
A former Tigray leader now advising Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised “visible change” in the region but gave no details.
Flights to Mekelle resumed on Sunday, October 11, almost three weeks after Ethiopian Airlines suspended service.
The airline stopped flights after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized the city and its airport on September 23.
Federal forces recaptured Mekelle on October 3, after which rebel fighters and leaders left the city.
Unconfirmed reports said the route could have about five flights a day, with more added if demand increases.
Getachew Reda, an adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, promised “visible change” in the region.
- Who
- Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Mekelle; passengers arrived at the airport.
- What
- Flights to Mekelle restarted after the city was recaptured by federal forces.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
- Why
- The airline had suspended flights after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized the city and airport; flights resumed after federal forces recaptured the city.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized Mekelle and its airport, after which Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights.
Federal forces recaptured Mekelle, and rebel fighters and leaders left the city.
Passengers arrived at Mekelle airport as flights resumed.
- Flight resumption
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- City
- Mekelle, capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region
- Airport seizure
- September 23
- Federal recapture
- October 3
- Possible flight frequency
- About five flights a day, according to unconfirmed reports
What people are saying
I would like to assure you on this occasion that we will bring visible change, a change beyond mere hope
Sources
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