Mekelle's public airport in northern Ethiopia
Tigrayan rebels have seized Mekelle’s airport and a regional hub, triggering flight suspensions and signaling renewed instability in northern Ethiopia as rival forces align against the government. Flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire are halted while authorities assess next steps.
Fighting in northern Ethiopia has intensified since September 2026, with federal forces gaining ground and recapturing Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega Airport. The conflict risks a regional spillover as Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan are accused of backing opponents, while civilians face a growing humanitarian toll.