DRC flight suspension and Uganda border curbs isolate Ebola-hit Bunia

Congolese authorities suspended all flights to and from Bunia in eastern DRC to contain an Ebola outbreak spreading in Ituri province. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned air traffic in and out of Bunia to prevent cross-border spread and to protect passengers, crews, and airport staff, with airport services required to follow health and safety guidelines. Kinshasa allowed exceptions for humanitarian, medical, and emergency flights, but only with special approval from aviation and health authorities to maintain essential operations such as transporting medical personnel, supplies, and aid. Bunia Airport is a key border point, and road access is difficult, increasing reliance on air travel. Uganda also introduced travel restrictions to and from the DRC, affecting movement and trade between eastern DRC and neighbouring Uganda.

"The Congolese authorities have suspended all flights to and from Bunia in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in an attempt to contain an Ebola outbreak. The decision was taken by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which has banned all air traffic in and out of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, where the virus continues to spread. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any cross-border spread of the epidemic and to ensure the health and safety of passengers, crews and airport staff, an official statement received by Al Jazeera said, urging all airport services to strictly comply with the health and safety guidelines issued by the competent authorities."

"Despite the restrictions, Kinshasa has allowed certain exceptions. Humanitarian, medical and emergency flights may be authorised, but only with special approval from aviation and health authorities. The provision is intended to ensure the continuity of essential operations, particularly the transport of medical personnel, supplies and humanitarian aid crucial to the response. Bunia Airport is one of the DRC's border points. Several planes take off and land there. Closing this facility will cause significant disruption."

"“As you know, the road is virtually impassable and many people prefer to fly,” said Pascal Tudja, an economic analyst in Bunia. Uganda, one of Bunia's main cross-border gateways for trade and passenger movement, has also introduced restrictions on travel to and from the DRC as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola. The measures have affected transport and movement between eastern DRC and neighbouring Uganda, including areas close to Ituri province, further complicating travel and trade in the region. Bunia relies heavily on Uganda as a main route for incoming goods"

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