Ethiopian Forces Retake Tigray Airport as Fighting Intensifies

2026, October 3

Ethiopia

Ethiopian federal forces have retaken Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, in a major development in the renewed fighting between government forces and a rebel alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front. The airport had been seized by rebel forces when fighting resumed on 23 September.

The development raises concern that Ethiopia could slide back into a much wider conflict after the devastating 2020–2022 Tigray war. The renewed fighting has already prompted fears of regional involvement, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting the rebels—allegations those countries deny.