Ethiopian Airlines is planning to resume regular flights to the Tigray region after withdrawing the operations due to war in the northernmost part of Ethiopia in November 2020.
According to Ethiopian News Agency reports, Ethiopian CEO, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, confirmed that the airline was currently “undertaking preparations” to reinstate flights to the war-torn region. According to the peace agreement signed between the Ethiopian government and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the airline has decided to resume operations in the Tigray region.
All commercial flight services to and from Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, were suspended after conflict erupted in November 2020.
The resumption of services will aid in the transportation and delivery of humanitarian aid to the region, the airline said.
“There will be need of passengers and cargo services in connection with the humanitarian aid delivery. Various foreign organizations are expected to provide humanitarian aid,” Tasew added.
Currently, the airline has identified Mekele and Shire airports for resuming operations while Axum airport has suffered considerable damage and will need to be repaired.
“We will send our people to the area and repair the airport. Hence, we have been preparing to commence flights to the region. In addition to the three airports, we are also working to resume service to other airports like Lalibela,” Tasew concluded.