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, violating U.S. entry restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Ebola.
Key Takeaways
An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after authorities discovered a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo had boarded in error due to U.S. Ebola travel restrictions. The passenger showed no symptoms and has returned to Paris.
- Passenger from DRC boarded flight 'in error'
- Flight diverted 500 miles to Montreal Trudeau International Airport
- Passengers informed mid-flight about diversion due to Ebola restrictions
- Current Ebola outbreak declared international health emergency by WHO
- U.S. has implemented enhanced screening measures for travelers from affected regions
The diversion came amid heightened concerns over an ongoing outbreak that 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.
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