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By Newz.Africa Africa Desk |Mekelle, Tigray | Fri, 30 Jan 2026 | Keyphrase: Flight cancellations and cash shortages hit Tigray
Tigray residents are facing mounting uncertainty. Ethiopian Airlines abruptly cancelled all flights to the region. This action is triggering widespread cash shortages and renewed anxiety about the stability of northern Ethiopia. The cancellations followed reports of fresh clashes in disputed western districts. These events are raising fears that tensions are escalating once again. The tensions persisted after the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
Eyewitness accounts from Mekelle describe long queues outside banks. Residents attempted to withdraw savings. They only found branches without cash. ATMs were also empty across much of the city. The conditions have heightened public concern. Many people remember the severe isolation during the civil war. Supply routes were blocked, and essential resources became scarce.
Flight cancellations and cash shortages hit Tigray as tensions rise
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum, Shire, and Humera, citing unplanned circumstances. Airport staff confirmed that they were instructed not to report for duty. Officials from the regional administration have contacted the federal government for an explanation. Yet, a formal statement has not been issued. Meanwhile, diplomats reported that clashes have erupted in western Tigray involving federal troops, Amhara militias, and Tigrayan fighters. These confrontations are centred on Tselemt, a contested locality that has remained unresolved since the Pretoria peace deal.
Residents in Mekelle said hundreds of people began rushing to banks as soon as the cancellations were announced. Many found bank vaults empty and cash machines non-operational. Panic withdrawals increased as households prepared for potential disruptions to food, medication, and cash availability if mobility restrictions continue. The shortage has also affected business owners who depend on regular cash flow for daily trade.
Diplomatic sources have described the situation as deteriorating, with fears that the fragile peace may be at risk. Western Tigray remains a major point of contention. There are ongoing disputes about territorial control. The return of displaced communities is delayed. Negotiators warn that if clashes intensify, humanitarian conditions worsen rapidly. This is especially alarming since the region remains heavily dependent on external aid.
Original Reporting |
What We Confirmed
- Verified that Ethiopian Airlines cancelled all flights to Tigray on Thursday.
- Confirmed multiple resident testimonies describing empty ATMs and cash shortages in Mekelle.
- Confirmed fresh clashes in disputed western Tigray reported by diplomats and regional sources.
- Confirmed that no official explanation has been issued by Ethiopian Airlines or the federal government.
Sources
- Flights to northern Ethiopia cancelled; fears mount of renewed conflict via AOL
- Ethiopian Airlines cancels flights amid cash crunch in Tigray via Dev Discourse
- Renewed clashes reported in western Tigray; fragile peace at risk via The Africa Report
- Reuters via EastAfrican: Residents face empty ATMs after flight cancellations via The East African
- SABC News: Flight cancellations spark fear as banks run out of cash in Tigray via sabcnews.com
- TRT World: Clashes reignite in western Tigray as tensions intensify via TRT World
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