On September 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan posted a caution notice, "Caution Regarding the Situation in Northern Ethiopia," on its Overseas Safety Website. It was reported that on September 23, the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF), affiliated with the anti-government Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), seized the airport in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray Region. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights at three airports in the region, including that one (Mekelle, Axum and Shire).
The notice also cites reports that attacks have spread beyond the Tigray Region to the neighboring Afar and Amhara Regions, and reports that seven anti-government organizations, including the TPLF, formed an alliance on September 20.
Most of the Tigray Region is already at Danger Level 3 (Avoid All Travel), while the western part of the region, the border area with Eritrea and the area along the border with the Amhara Region are at Danger Level 4 (Evacuate). The Ministry urges people in Ethiopia to gather the latest information, ensure their own safety, and check their carry-on items and emergency supplies in case the situation worsens.
Key points
- The airport in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray Region, has reportedly been seized by anti-government forces, and flights at all three airports in the region have stopped
- Reports say the fighting has spread to the neighboring Afar and Amhara Regions
- People in the country are urged to check the latest information and review their belongings and emergency supplies in case the situation worsens
Why this information deserves attention
Ethiopia is a country where Japanese NGOs, JICA, United Nations agencies and others work in many fields, including health, education, agriculture and humanitarian assistance. In the north, centered on the Tigray Region, the conflict that began in 2020 caused a major humanitarian crisis, and support continues today.
For organizations and staff working on the ground, and for people planning to travel there, airport closures and the spread of fighting bear directly on plans for movement and evacuation. Danger levels differ by region, so it is important to check the information for the place you are going.
Editor's comment
When an airport becomes unusable, overland travel or evacuation may be the only options left, and ensuring safety becomes far more difficult. We sincerely hope for the safety of everyone who continues to provide support on the ground.
This article is based on information as of September 26. The situation changes day by day, so if you are in Ethiopia or planning to travel there, please be sure to check the latest information and danger levels on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Overseas Safety Website, and make sure you have registered with Tabi-Regi and submitted your residence notification.