Ethiopia: Flights to Tigray Suspended Amid Rising Tensions. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Passenger flights between Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and the northern Tigray region have been suspended, according to reports.
The suspension comes amidst escalating tensions and fears of a return to conflict in the region.
Ethiopia Airlines, which operates all routes in the country, cited “unplanned circumstances “for the cancellations.
The airline has not provided further details regarding the reasons for the sudden halt in services.
The cancellations coincide with a rise in tensions over disputed territory ahead of elections scheduled for this summer.
Reports indicate fighting between the federal army and Tigray fighters in western Tigray, as well as new military movements in southern Tigray.
The Tigray region has been a source of tension in Ethiopia for several years.
A peace deal was signed in 2022 to end a brutal civil war in the region, but tensions have been rising again.
The upcoming elections in the summer of 2023 are likely contributing to the current tensions. Regional officials confirmed the increase in military activity and the flight cancellations, indicating a potential escalation in the situation. Airport staff in Tigray’s main city of Mekelle have reportedly been told not to go to work, suggesting a heightened state of alert.
The government has not yet commented on the situation, but officials have previously stated that they intend to resolve the disputes through a referendum.
However, it remains unclear whether the ongoing tensions will allow for such a process to take place.
The situation in Tigray is of concern not only for the region’s residents but also for the entire country, as a return to conflict could have significant implications for stability and economic recovery.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.
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Source: [Ethiopia: Flights from capital to Tigray cancelled as tensions mount]( Africanews. Com/2026/01/29/ethiopia-flights-from-capital-to-tigray-cancelled-as-tenions-mount/) (africanews.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
