Ebola Outbreak: DR Congo Reopens Bunia Airport After 10-day Suspension

The main airport in Ituri Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), region at the centre of a fresh Ebola outbreak, reopened on Tuesday after a 10-day closure imposed for safety reasons.

The government said commercial flights to and from Bunia airport, located in the provincial capital of Ituri, had resumed gradually after health and transport authorities reviewed safety measures put in place to monitor the outbreak.

Naija News reports that the airport was shut on May 23 as part of efforts to reduce the risk of further spread of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever.

During the closure, only medical and humanitarian flights were allowed to operate through the airport.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently battling a major Ebola outbreak, which has raised concerns within the country and across the region.

According to the African Union’s health agency, Africa CDC, the disease is suspected to have killed at least 246 people in DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda.

Ituri, a conflict-affected province in eastern DR Congo, has been at the centre of the outbreak, prompting authorities to take emergency health measures.

The decision to suspend commercial flights was aimed at giving health officials time to strengthen screening and monitoring systems for passengers.

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba had earlier said the suspension was necessary to allow the authorities to put proper health measures in place to protect travellers.

On Tuesday, the transport ministry said flights could resume after the authorities assessed the monitoring of the outbreak and concluded that the necessary conditions had been met.

The ministry said the review showed that “conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights.”

The reopening is expected to ease movement in and out of Bunia, especially for residents, businesses and aid workers operating in the troubled eastern region.

Although commercial flights have resumed, officials said the situation would continue to be closely monitored to prevent further spread of the disease.