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The main airport serving the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province has resumed commercial operations after a 10-day suspension imposed to strengthen safety measures amid a major Ebola outbreak.
Authorities reopened Bunia Airport on Tuesday after determining that adequate health protocols were in place to resume flights safely. The airport, located in the provincial capital of Bunia, sits at the centre of a region heavily affected by the ongoing outbreak of the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever.
The closure was announced on May 23, when the government suspended all commercial flights to and from the airport as part of efforts to contain the spread of the disease. During the suspension, only medical and humanitarian aircraft were permitted to operate, ensuring that emergency response teams and essential aid could continue to reach affected communities.
The Ebola outbreak has become a major public health concern in the region. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the epidemic is suspected to have claimed at least 246 lives across the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda. Health authorities have been working to strengthen surveillance, treatment and prevention measures in a bid to halt further transmission.
Explaining the rationale behind the airport closure, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said the government needed time to implement health safeguards designed to protect travellers and reduce the risk of the virus spreading through air transport networks.
Following an assessment of the monitoring and containment measures introduced during the suspension period, the Ministry of Transport announced that the situation had improved sufficiently to permit a cautious reopening.
In a statement, the ministry said officials had reviewed the outbreak response and concluded that “conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights.”
The reopening is expected to restore an important transport link for the region while maintaining strict health precautions. Authorities have stressed that surveillance and screening measures will remain in force as the country continues its efforts to bring the outbreak under control and prevent further loss of life.
