Mekelle City Residents Welcome Resumption of Flights, See Renewed Air Links as a Step Toward Lasting Peace and Recovery

Addis Ababa, October 11, 2026 (FMC) — Residents of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region, have warmly welcomed the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines’ regular flights between Addis Ababa and Mekelle, describing the restored air link as an important step toward normalizing daily life and advancing peace and development in the region.

Passengers expressed their happiness at the return of the service, which Ethiopian Airlines officially resumed on Sunday, October 11, in line with its earlier announcement.

Residents said the renewed connection would ease travel, support everyday activities and help accelerate efforts to restore normal life across Tigray region. They also viewed the resumption as a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to consolidating lasting peace and accelerating development in the region.

Ashenafi Tsegaye, one of the passengers, said he had faced difficulties after travelling to Mekelle for work when flights were suspended. He welcomed the resumption, saying he was delighted that the service had returned.

He described the restored air link as one of the important measures that could help the people of Tigray region overcome the multiple challenges they had faced. He also expressed confidence that the federal government would build on its ongoing efforts to strengthen lasting peace in the region.

Another passenger, Nael Solomon, also welcomed the resumption, expressing confidence that the service would continue and noting that the people of Tigray region were peace-loving.

Hadarat Kot, another passenger, said he was extremely pleased by the return of flights, emphasizing the wide-ranging benefits the service would bring to the region’s population.