DR Congo Reopens Airport Amid Ebola Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reopened Bunia Airport in Ituri province, the area at the centre of an ongoing Ebola outbreak, following a temporary closure aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.

Authorities confirmed that the airport was reopened after a brief suspension of operations introduced as part of emergency public health measures in response to the outbreak in eastern Congo.

The reopening comes as health officials continue efforts to contain the outbreak, which has spread across multiple health zones in Ituri and neighbouring provinces, including North Kivu and South Kivu.

According to health authorities and humanitarian reports, the outbreak has resulted in hundreds of confirmed and suspected cases, with fatalities also recorded in both the DRC and neighbouring Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, noting challenges such as delayed detection, limited contact tracing, and insecurity in affected regions.

Despite the reopening of the airport, strict health protocols remain in place, including passenger screening, temperature checks, and hygiene measures aimed at reducing transmission risks for travelers and airport staff.

Health responders say the decision is part of a “controlled and gradual” return to normal travel operations while maintaining surveillance and rapid response capacity in the region.

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo remains one of the most severe in recent years, with health agencies continuing to monitor cross-border movement and strengthen containment measures.