Air France Flight Diverted to Montreal Due to Ebola Travel Restrictions

An Air France flight en route to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a passenger from the Democratic Republic of the Congo boarded in Paris, contravening U.S. travel restrictions linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that the traveler should not have been allowed to board due to policies requiring travelers from affected countries—including the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan—to enter the U.S. exclusively through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced screening. Consequently, U.S. authorities prohibited the plane from landing in Detroit, leading to its diversion to Montreal. Canadian health officials assessed the passenger upon arrival and found them asymptomatic, after which the individual returned to Paris. The flight subsequently continued to Detroit with the remaining passengers.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, a public health emergency of international concern. This strain currently lacks approved vaccines or treatments. The outbreak has resulted in at least 139 suspected deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases, though experts warn the actual numbers may be higher.