Ethiopian Airlines Resumes Flights to Tigray After Security Fears Ease

Ethiopian Airlines has resumed commercial flights to the northern Tigray region, an airline official said on Tuesday, days after services were suspended following clashes between regional forces and Ethiopia’s national army that sparked fears of a return to large scale conflict.

The temporary suspension was announced last week after renewed tensions raised concerns about passenger safety and operational risks. Flights were halted as a precautionary measure while authorities assessed the rapidly evolving security situation in the region.

An airline spokesperson confirmed that services have now restarted after receiving assurances that conditions had stabilised sufficiently to allow safe operations. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, said it continues to closely monitor developments and will prioritise passenger and crew safety in all its decisions.

Tigray remains highly sensitive more than two years after the end of a devastating war between the federal government and fighters from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The conflict, which lasted from late 2020 until a ceasefire agreement in November 2022, killed hundreds of thousands of people, according to researchers, through direct violence, widespread hunger, and the collapse of healthcare services.

Although the peace deal formally ended the fighting, sporadic clashes and political tensions have persisted, underscoring the fragility of stability in the region. Last week’s violence reignited fears among residents and humanitarian groups that the area could slide back into conflict.

The resumption of flights is seen as a significant step toward restoring normalcy and reconnecting Tigray with the rest of the country. Air travel is a critical lifeline for the region, supporting the movement of civilians, aid workers, and essential supplies.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that any disruption to transport links risks worsening an already dire humanitarian situation, with millions in Tigray still reliant on aid for food, healthcare, and basic services.

Ethiopian Airlines said it will continue to work with aviation authorities and security agencies to ensure operations remain safe, while urging all parties to exercise restraint to preserve the fragile peace achieved since the 2022 ceasefire.