Ethiopian Airlines has officially suspended all domestic flight operations to the Tigray region, including destinations to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, effective September 23, 2026. The national carrier cited current operational and security circumstances in the region as the main reason for the sudden halt. This temporary suspension directly impacts major commercial and humanitarian transit routes connecting the capital, Addis Ababa, to northern Ethiopia.
The airline issued a formal statement extending an apology to passengers and travel partners for the disruption and inconvenience caused to scheduled travel plans. Travelers holding tickets to or from Mekelle, Axum, and Shire have been advised to contact customer service centers or official ticketing agents for rebooking options, status updates, or refund inquiries as flight schedules remain frozen.
While Ethiopian Airlines did not provide a specific timeline for the resumption of flights, management confirmed that operations will remain on hold pending thorough reviews. The flag carrier assured the public that services will resume as soon as safety, operational feasibility, and technical conditions are fully reassessed and cleared by relevant aviation authorities.
The suspension highlights ongoing operational complexities within domestic air transport infrastructure in northern Ethiopia. Flight routes to the Tigray region serve as a critical lifeline for regional commerce, family visits, business travel, and international humanitarian agency operations. Local businesses and travel agencies express hope that technical and operational evaluations will yield a quick resolution to minimize broader economic and logistical impacts.
Industry observers note that Ethiopian Airlines routinely evaluates safety and technical parameters across its domestic network to maintain international aviation standards and passenger security. Passengers are encouraged to monitor official Ethiopian Airlines communication channels, social media platforms, and verified news outlets for official announcements regarding the restoration of domestic flights to the regional destinations.
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