Ethiopian Airlines has abruptly suspended all flights to and from the northern Tigray region, citing “unplanned circumstances” as tensions escalate between federal forces and Tigrayan authorities. The cancellation, now extending into its second day, signals deteriorating security conditions with reports of drone surveillance and military movements in western and southern Tigray.
Anonymous security officials confirm the flight suspensions are directly linked to renewed hostilities, triggering civilian exodus attempts by road. In Mekele, Tigray’s capital, transportation services face overwhelming demand with bus bookings to Addis Ababa completely full until next Tuesday. Residents report forming extensive queues at banks and ATMs, many of which have exhausted their cash reserves, as panic buying intensifies.
This crisis emerges just three years after the landmark 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year civil war claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. Both sides now accuse each other of violating the truce—Tigray leaders cite federal government drone strikes while Ethiopia alleges Eritrean mobilization of armed groups along their shared border.
The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since the previous conflict. Peace and conflict experts note the potential formation of a strategic alliance between Tigray’s ruling party (TPLF) and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, which could fundamentally alter regional dynamics. Unlike the 2020-2022 war where Tigray was encircled by hostile forces, this configuration might provide Tigray with open supply lines and military support from Eritrea.
The escalating situation occurs against broader regional tensions regarding sea access. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who previously won the Nobel Peace Prize for reconciling with Eritrea, has recently adopted assertive rhetoric about securing Red Sea access—comments perceived as provocative by neighboring nations. With Ethiopia currently dependent on Djibouti’s ports amid high fees, and Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of harboring “war agendas” targeting its ports, the region faces compounded instability.