Ethiopia Travel Update: Flights Suspended as Fighting Escalates in the North
The security situation in northern Ethiopia has deteriorated significantly over the past several days, with fighting between Tigrayan forces and Ethiopian federal forces spreading across Tigray, Afar and Amhara. The escalation has already affected aviation, road movement and communications in parts of the north. Travellers planning to visit affected areas, or already travelling in northern Ethiopia, should expect conditions to change quickly and check their arrangements before travelling.
What is happening in Ethiopia?
Fighting intensified in Tigray on 23 September after Tigrayan forces launched an offensive against federal positions. The escalation has since spread into neighbouring Afar and Amhara, with armed groups involved in the wider conflict. The latest escalation follows the formation of an alliance of seven armed groups opposed to the Ethiopian federal government. The Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities have given conflicting accounts of how the latest fighting began, while Ethiopia’s military has accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups — an allegation Eritrea denies. (Reuters) The immediate travel concern is the effect on movement through northern Ethiopia.
Are flights in Ethiopia affected?
Yes, but the disruption is currently concentrated in the north rather than affecting Ethiopia’s entire aviation network. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire in Tigray on 23 September after Tigrayan forces took control of the airports. Flights to Lalibela in Amhara were subsequently suspended as fighting spread into the area. (MarketScreener Saudi Arabia)
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently confirms that all civilian flights to and from Tigray are suspended and warns that flights to and from northern Ethiopia could be suspended or cancelled at short notice. (GOV.UK)
Flight schedules and tracking services may continue to display planned services even when operational conditions have changed. Travellers should therefore confirm the status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to an affected airport.
What about flights through Addis Ababa?
There is currently no indication of a general shutdown of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or Ethiopia’s international air network. Addis Ababa remains the country’s principal international aviation hub, meaning international travellers may still be able to enter or leave Ethiopia through the capital even while domestic services to affected northern destinations are disrupted.
The important distinction is between the international network operating through Addis Ababa and access to individual destinations in northern Ethiopia. A functioning international airport does not necessarily mean that onward domestic travel will be available.
Which parts of Ethiopia are most affected?
Tigray: All civilian flights to and from the region are suspended, while fighting and communications disruption are ongoing. The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray. (GOV.UK)
Amhara: The security situation has deteriorated, with fighting affecting parts of the region and flights to Lalibela suspended. The FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara. (GOV.UK)
Afar: Fighting has spread into parts of Afar. The region also contains important road connections between Ethiopia and Djibouti, making developments here relevant to wider overland movement. The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to most of Afar and against all travel in areas close to Tigray and Eritrea. (GOV.UK)
Addis Ababa: The capital’s international aviation infrastructure remains operational, but travellers connecting onwards into northern Ethiopia should check their domestic arrangements carefully.
Communications have also been affected
Internet and telephone networks were disrupted across parts of Tigray on 25 September as fighting intensified. This creates an additional challenge for travellers because access to airline information, online services, digital payments and communication with family, employers or assistance providers can become more difficult during a crisis. (The Straits Times) This is particularly relevant for anyone travelling independently in an area where the security situation is changing rapidly.
What should travellers do now?
Anyone planning travel to northern Ethiopia should check the latest airline information before departure and avoid assuming that a scheduled flight will operate simply because it still appears in an online booking system or flight tracker.
Travellers already in affected areas should monitor local developments, remain in contact with their airline or travel provider and avoid unnecessary movement where fighting or significant disruption is occurring. The FCDO currently advises people in Tigray to shelter in place and, when it is safe to do so, leave the region using commercial means. (GOV.UK)
For travellers elsewhere in Ethiopia, the situation remains geographically uneven. Conditions can change quickly, particularly around northern transport routes, and local restrictions or disruptions may be introduced at short notice.
Stay informed and know where to turn
The situation in Ethiopia is developing rapidly. For international travellers, monitoring events is only one part of managing the risk: having access to reliable travel information and human assistance can become particularly important when normal transport or communications are disrupted.
Global Traveller provides travel intelligence, location-specific alerts and 24/7 access to a human assistance team, giving travellers a direct point of contact when they need practical support abroad. Find out more about a personal travel assistance plan or about travel assistance in Ethiopia.
This article reflects information available on 27 September 2026. The situation in northern Ethiopia is developing and travel arrangements can change at short notice. Always confirm current flight and travel arrangements directly with your airline or travel provider.