Ethiopian Airlines Cancels Tigray Flights Amidst Renewed Conflict Fears

Flight Cancellations and Bank Runs

• ✈️ Ethiopian Airlines canceled all flights to the Tigray region on Thursday following clashes between regional and national forces.
• 💰 Residents in Tigray rushed to withdraw cash from banks, with one individual reporting a withdrawal limit equivalent to approximately $13 after hours of waiting.

Escalating Tensions and Disputed Territories

• 💥 Clashes reportedly occurred in the disputed western Tigray region between the Ethiopian army and Tigrayan forces.
• 🕊️ This follows a two-year civil war that concluded with a peace pact in late 2022, but disagreements persist over contested territories and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces.

Official Responses and Hopes for De-escalation

• ❓ An airline official cited clashes as the reason for flight cancellations, while a Tigrayan official stated the regional government sought an explanation from Addis Ababa without receiving a response.
• 🤝 Senior officials from both the Ethiopian and Tigrayan governments have expressed hopes for a de-escalation of tensions.