Congo's Bunia airport resumes flights after Ebola closure

Flights resumed at Bunia airport on Wednesday (June 3) after authorities lifted restrictions imposed because of Ebola outbreak, allowing passengers to travel again under strict health screening measures.

The reopening comes as Democratic Republic of Congo battles an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that has infected over 320 people and killed 48, according to the latest official figures. The outbreak, centred in Ituri province where Bunia is located, has spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and into neighbouring Uganda.

Health authorities have introduced screening measures at airports, road checkpoints and border crossings as they seek to contain the virus, for which there is no approved vaccine.

At Bunia airport, passengers washed their hands with chlorinated water and had their temperatures checked before entering the terminal and boarding flights.

Traveller Djeny Avoci said she was relieved to be able to fly to Aru for a family funeral. "When there were no flights, we did not know where to begin, as the road is sometimes unsafe," she said.

Pilot Isaac Ouma said the reopening would help restore connectivity after weeks of disruption. "Bunia has opened and work will return to its normal state," he said, adding that airlines had adopted preventive measures including distributing face masks and screening passengers.

Authorities hope the resumption of flights will support humanitarian operations and economic activity.

-Gradel Muyisa, Ngouda Dione/Reuters