Ethiopia’s Federal Forces Reclaim Mekelle Airport as Tigray Rebels Withdraw

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian federal forces retook the Mekelle International Airport on 3 October after Tigray rebels withdrew from the city, according to reports from Al Jazeera, The Jerusalem Post, Firstpost and Devdiscourse. The move follows a series of advances by government troops in the northern region and marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict that began in 2020.

Strategic Gain in a Long‑Running Conflict

The airport, which had been under rebel control since early 2024, is a key logistical hub for the Tigray region. Its capture allows the federal government to restore air connectivity and supply lines to the capital of Mekelle. The operation was carried out by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and allied regional militias, including the Amhara and Oromo forces that have been deployed in the area since the ceasefire negotiations in 2023.

According to an Al Jazeera dispatch, the government’s advance began in the early hours of 3 October, with troops moving from the south of the city and securing the runway and terminal buildings before the rebels could mount a counter‑attack. The Jerusalem Post reported that the allied militia claimed the airport had been seized “without significant resistance” after the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) withdrew.

Rebel Withdrawal and Tactical Retreat

Firstpost noted that the TDF had abandoned Mekelle earlier that day, citing a lack of supplies and mounting pressure from the ENDF’s encirclement. The rebels’ retreat was described as a “tactical withdrawal” to regroup in the surrounding highlands. The Devdiscourse report confirmed that the TDF had left the airport’s control room and moved to secondary positions in the city’s outskirts.

In a statement released by the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense, the government said the operation was part of a broader “re‑establishment of state authority” in the Tigray region. The ministry did not provide casualty figures or detail the exact number of troops involved.

Impact on Regional Stability

The airport’s recapture is a milestone for the federal government, which has been working to restore infrastructure and civilian services in Tigray after years of blockade and humanitarian crises. The move also signals a potential shift in the balance of power, as the TDF’s presence in Mekelle has been a focal point for negotiations with international mediators.

International observers have noted that the loss of the airport could limit the TDF’s ability to receive external support via air, potentially affecting the logistics of their operations. The United Nations has previously highlighted the importance of maintaining air access for humanitarian aid in the region.

Historical Context

The conflict in Tigray began in November 2020 when the ENDF launched an operation against the TDF, leading to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The 2021 ceasefire agreement, brokered by the African Union, temporarily halted hostilities but left the airport under rebel control until the recent offensive.

Since the ceasefire, the TDF has maintained a presence in Mekelle, using the airport as a strategic base. The recent recapture follows a series of government gains in the region, including the capture of the town of Shire and the city of Adwa in August 2026.

Official Reactions

The Ethiopian government’s statement emphasized the restoration of “law and order” and the importance of the airport for “civilian and humanitarian operations.” No statement has yet been released by the TDF regarding the loss of the airport.

International bodies such as the African Union and the United Nations have called for a renewed ceasefire and a return to negotiations, but have not commented specifically on the airport’s capture.