Ethiopian Airlines has abruptly suspended all passenger flights between Addis Ababa and cities in the northern Tigray region, citing “unplanned circumstances” in text messages to passengers. The suspension comes amid growing concerns about a potential return to conflict, with reports emerging of military clashes in contested territories.
Airport staff in Mekelle, Tigray’s main city, confirmed the flight cancellations after receiving instructions not to report for work. The airline and Ethiopian government have remained silent beyond the initial cancellation notice, offering no further explanation for the sudden suspension of air services.
The development occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement showing signs of unraveling. Tensions have escalated particularly around disputed territories in western Tigray, where forces from the neighboring Amhara region maintain control over fertile lands claimed by both regions.
Recent reports indicate clashes between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters in Mai Degusha, a contested area within Tselemti district. Additional military movements have been observed in southern Tigray, raising alarms about potential renewed hostilities.
The situation is further complicated by the upcoming June elections, from which the TPLF has been excluded following the revocation of its political license. The party, which previously dominated Ethiopian politics for two decades, has experienced internal factionalization, adding complexity to an already volatile political landscape.
While air travel remains suspended, ground transportation via buses continues to operate between Addis Ababa and Tigray, though these services may face disruptions following the flight suspensions. The African Union, which brokered the original peace agreement, has not yet commented on the latest developments.
The Tigray conflict, which resulted in an estimated 600,000 fatalities and widespread human rights abuses, had previously displaced approximately one million people from western Tigray. These individuals remain in makeshift camps throughout the region, with their voting status in any potential referendum uncertain.