Air France Flight Diverted Over Ebola Concerns

An Air France flight bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal on Wednesday after authorities discovered a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had boarded in error. The diversion came amid U.S. entry restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Ebola, which has caused over 130 deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases in Central Africa.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the passenger should not have been allowed on the flight due to restrictions targeting travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The plane was diverted approximately 500 miles to Montreal Trudeau International Airport after departing from Paris.

A passenger on board, Deborah Mistor, told CBS News that cabin crew donned masks following the captain's announcement of the diversion. She reported that passengers were informed about four hours before their scheduled arrival in Detroit that U.S. authorities had denied landing permission due to the passenger from DRC.

The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO estimates there have been 536 suspected cases, including 105 probable and 34 confirmed cases, as well as 134 suspected deaths. The outbreak is primarily centered in DRC's Ituri and North Kivu provinces, with two confirmed cases in Uganda.

The U.S. has implemented enhanced screening measures for travelers from the affected regions. Non-citizens who have recently visited DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan are restricted from entering the country, while U.S. citizens and permanent residents must arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport for additional health checks.