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

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo – 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. …