Ethiopian Airlines has resumed flights to Tigray, an airline official confirmed on Tuesday—just days after it suspended service due to fresh violence in the region. The brief halt followed clashes between Ethiopian national forces and Tigrayan fighters, which sparked fears of a wider conflict.
The fighting erupted last week in western Tigray, a disputed area that remains a flashpoint despite the 2022 peace agreement. Diplomatic and government sources reported the clashes, while a senior Tigrayan official and a humanitarian worker said drone strikes killed one person and injured another on Saturday.
Ethiopia’s devastating two-year war with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) officially ended in November 2022. Researchers estimate the conflict caused hundreds of thousands of deaths—not only from combat but also from collapsed healthcare systems and widespread famine.
Although the peace pact halted major hostilities, tensions persist. Key issues remain unresolved, including the status of western Tigray and the delayed disarmament of Tigrayan forces. These sticking points continue to fuel instability.
Against this backdrop, the airline’s decision to restart flights to Tigray signals cautious optimism about short-term calm. The route—typically connecting Addis Ababa to Mekelle—serves as a vital lifeline for families, aid workers, and businesses in the region.
Still, the swift suspension and resumption highlight how fragile the peace remains. Even minor escalations can disrupt essential services and reignite public anxiety.
For now, Ethiopian Airlines appears to be responding to on-the-ground assessments. But as long as core disputes linger, the risk of further interruptions—and deeper conflict—remains real.
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