Ethiopian Airlines suspends Tigray flights after rebels seize Mekelle airport
Ethiopian Airlines halted services to three northern Ethiopian destinations after regional forces took control of Mekelle airport, according to reports citing the AP news agency.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Ethiopia's northern Tigray region on Wednesday, 23 September, according to the airline's own operations as reported by aeroTELEGRAPH. The routes affected are Mekelle, Axum and Shire.
The airline cited a deteriorating security situation. Regional forces have taken over Mekelle airport, which is normally controlled by federal troops, according to the AP news agency. No gunfire was reported during the takeover.
The suspension comes amid rising tensions between the central government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Since July there have been reports of drone strikes in the region. On the Sunday before the airline's decision, seven opposition groups, the TPLF among them, announced an alliance against the government.
Ethiopian Airlines has not said how long the suspension will last.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comEthiopian Airlines setzt Flüge nach Tigray aus - Rebellen haben Flughafen eingenommen