Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines resumes flights to Axum town in Tigray after three years

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele speaks at the Atse Yohannes IV Airport in Axum on June 9, 2024, following the resumption of domestic flights. (Photo: X/Ethiopian Airlines)

By Hanifa Adan | Sunday, June 9, 2024

The Atse Yohannes IV Airport in Axumtown had been out of service due to damages sustained during the two-year war in the Tigray region.

Ethiopian Airlines resumed domestic flights to the Atse Yohannes IV Airport in Axum on Sunday, after more than three years of disruptions due to the Tigray conflict.

The airport had been out of service due to damages from the war, which had cut Axum from the rest of the country.

Keep reading

The inaugural flight carried 140 passengers, including Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele, as well as federal and regional government officials, according to Tigray TV and the Addis Standard.

Via social media platform X, Ethiopian Airlines noted that Axum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that the resumption of flights would boost tourism and therefore the local economy.

Ethiopian Resumes Flights to Axum a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural significance.
Flights to the Ancient City will be Operated Daily#EthiopianAirlines pic.twitter.com/NgZsTRIBON
— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) June 9, 2024

Several senior regional government officials, including Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda, attended the ceremony marking the resumption of services and community members, including religious leaders, were present at the airport to witness the landing.

The conflict resulted in numerous casualties, the displacement of populations, and the widespread destruction of infrastructure and other assets.

Before it started, Ethiopian Airlines flew from Addis Ababa to Mekele 10–14 times daily and was the top domestic route. There were also two flights to Axum and one to Shire per day.

Ethiopian Airlines had been awaiting the final approval of security agencies and civil aviation authorities to resume flights following the Ethiopia-Tigray peace agreement signed in South Africa and Kenya in November 2022.

At the time, the CEO said, "Since the northern part of Ethiopia is a historical travel route, the start of flights will increase the flow of tourists. In this way, Ethiopian Airlines will earn more income."

He added, "Ethiopia as a country will get its due benefits."