Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines Resumes Mekelle Flights After Two-Week Suspension

What the report says

Ethiopian Airlines has restarted commercial service between Addis Ababa and Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, after a two-week suspension, according to a report cited by AllAfrica from the Ethiopian News Agency. The return of flights to Alula Aba Nega International Airport restores an important travel link for residents, businesses and humanitarian activity in northern Ethiopia.

The report said passengers welcomed the resumption because the interruption had left people stranded and had affected travel, commerce and access to essential goods. Several travelers told ENA that the route is especially important for families, work travel and the movement of medicines and other supplies. They also called for reliable transport and lasting peace so daily life and recovery efforts can continue.

The service restart comes as Tigray continues to recover from the conflict that ended with the Pretoria peace agreement in November 2022. Background context in the report notes that the war caused major destruction and disrupted health care, transportation and other services. Although large-scale fighting ended, the region still faces security and political challenges that affect recovery.

The report also said flights to Axum and Shire may resume soon, though no date was given. The reason for the latest suspension was not explained.