An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal on Wednesday after U.S. authorities discovered a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo had boarded in violation of Ebola-related travel restrictions. The flight, carrying 139 passengers, landed in Montreal where the individual was removed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the passenger should not have been allowed to board due to entry restrictions aimed at mitigating Ebola risks.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Airbus A320, operating as Air France Flight 378, departed Paris and was redirected mid-flight after CBP prohibited its landing in Detroit. The passenger's Ebola status remains unconfirmed. The diversion occurred amid heightened U.S. screening measures implemented Monday for travelers from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Deeper Dive & Context
Policy Rationale: The U.S. restrictions, announced by the CDC, bar non-U.S. passport holders who recently traveled to Ebola-affected regions. The Bundibugyo virus strain has caused 139 suspected deaths in Central Africa. DHS will require U.S.-bound flights with travelers from these regions to land at specific airports starting Thursday.
Operational Impact: Flight tracking data shows the plane landed in Montreal at 5:15 p.m. ET. Air France has not commented on whether the flight will continue to Detroit. The passenger's nationality and travel history remain unclear.
Public Health Measures: The WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency after 80 confirmed deaths. The virus spread undetected for weeks following the first known fatality.