Mekele Airport, officially known as Alula Aba Nega Airport, is a regional airport serving the city of Mekele in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. As an important transportation hub for the area, Mekele Airport facilitates air travel for passengers and cargo, connecting the region with other parts of Ethiopia and beyond. Despite its relatively modest size, the airport plays a vital role in supporting local businesses, residents, and the economy of the surrounding region.
- Airport Code: Mekele (MQX)
- Time zone: GMT 3
- Operator: Ethiopian Airports Enterprise
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (15.15%), Tuesday (13.64%), Wednesday (15.15%), Thursday (15.15%), Friday (15.15%), Saturday (13.64%), Sunday (12.12%)
- other spellings: Makale, Mek’ele, Macallè, Mekelle, Μεκέλε, Мэкэле, Мекеле, መቐለ, מקלה, เมเคเล, メケレ, 메켈레,默克萊
Most popular flight destinations from Mekele (flights per week)
- Addis Ababa(62, 83.78%)
- Shire(8, 10.81%)
- other (5.41%)
Location:
Mekele Airport is situated near the city of Mekele in the northern part of the Tigray Region in Ethiopia. The airport’s coordinates are approximately 13.4698° N latitude and 39.5334° E longitude.
Weather by Month:
Below is a table illustrating the average highest and lowest temperatures in Mekele by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21 | 6 |
| February | 22 | 7 |
| March | 24 | 9 |
| April | 25 | 10 |
| May | 25 | 11 |
| June | 24 | 11 |
| July | 23 | 10 |
| August | 23 | 10 |
| September | 24 | 10 |
| October | 24 | 9 |
| November | 23 | 7 |
| December | 21 | 6 |
Nearby Cities
1. Mekele
Overview:
Mekele, the capital city of the Tigray Region, is the closest and most significant urban center served by Mekele Airport. It is a bustling city known for its historical significance, vibrant culture, and economic activities.
Population:
Approximately 500,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Administrative Center: Mekele is the administrative hub of the Tigray Region, hosting government offices and institutions.
- Economic Activities: The economy is driven by trade, manufacturing, education, and tourism.
- Education: Mekele University and numerous primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Ayder Referral Hospital and several other hospitals and clinics.
2. Wukro
Overview:
Wukro is located about 45 kilometers north of Mekele. It is an important town in the Tigray Region, known for its historical and religious significance.
Population:
Approximately 30,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and small-scale manufacturing.
- Historical Significance: Home to the ancient Wukro Chirkos rock-hewn church.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Wukro Hospital and local health centers.
3. Adigrat
Overview:
Adigrat is situated approximately 95 kilometers north of Mekele. It is one of the larger cities in the Tigray Region, known for its strategic location near the Eritrean border.
Population:
Around 80,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Trade, agriculture, and services.
- Education: Adigrat University and numerous primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Adigrat Hospital and several health clinics.
4. Axum
Overview:
Axum is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Mekele. It is one of Ethiopia’s most famous historical cities, renowned for its ancient relics and archaeological sites.
Population:
Approximately 70,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Historical Significance: Known for the Axum Obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church.
- Economic Activities: Tourism, agriculture, and trade.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Axum Hospital and local clinics.
5. Adwa
Overview:
Adwa is situated about 160 kilometers northwest of Mekele. It is a historically significant town known for the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army in 1896.
Population:
Around 40,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Historical Significance: Site of the Battle of Adwa, with various monuments and museums.
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and small-scale industries.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Adwa Hospital and health centers.
6. Shire
Overview:
Shire, also known as Inda Selassie, is located about 250 kilometers northwest of Mekele. It is an important market town in the Tigray Region.
Population:
Approximately 47,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, trade, and mining.
- Education: Various primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Shire Hospital and several clinics.
7. Alamata
Overview:
Alamata is situated about 180 kilometers south of Mekele. It is an agricultural town known for its fertile lands and vibrant market.
Population:
Around 50,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, particularly grain and livestock farming.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Alamata Hospital and local health centers.
8. Humera
Overview:
Humera is located approximately 400 kilometers west of Mekele. It is a significant agricultural town known for its sesame production.
Population:
Approximately 30,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, primarily sesame farming, and trade.
- Education: Various primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Humera Hospital and health clinics.
9. Korem
Overview:
Korem is situated about 110 kilometers south of Mekele. It is a smaller town known for its agricultural activities and scenic landscapes.
Population:
Around 20,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture, mainly farming and livestock.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Korem Health Center and local clinics.
10. Maychew
Overview:
Maychew is located about 125 kilometers south of Mekele. It is an important town in the Tigray Region, known for its role in trade and agriculture.
Population:
Approximately 40,000 residents.
Key Features:
- Economic Activities: Agriculture and trade.
- Education: Several primary and secondary schools.
- Healthcare: Maychew Hospital and health centers.