Air France flight bound for Detroit diverted to Canada over passenger from Congo amid Ebola restrictions
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after authorities discovered a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo on board, violating U.S. Ebola-related entry restrictions.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated the passenger should not have boarded due to restrictions aimed at reducing Ebola risk, though there was no medical emergency on the flight.
- The CDC and Department of Homeland Security have implemented travel restrictions requiring travelers from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan to enter the U.S. only through Washington-Dulles International Airport for enhanced health screenings.
- Passengers on the flight reported confusion and concern as they were informed of the diversion hours before landing, with flight attendants wearing masks but limited information provided about the situation.
- The current Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has resulted in over 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths, with no approved vaccines or treatments for the strain involved, prompting stringent U.S. travel measures.