Uganda Airlines Suspends Entebbe–Kinshasa Flights Over Ebola Safety Measures

Uganda Airlines has indefinitely suspended all flights between Uganda Airlines and Kinshasa, citing passenger and public safety concerns linked to new Ebola containment measures. The suspension took effect on Saturday, May 23.

The decision follows directives from Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the National Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo, which ordered a temporary halt to public transport between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, including border markets and other cross-border activities.

While the task force set a four-week suspension period, Uganda Airlines said its own suspension will remain in place “until further notice.”

The airline described the move as a precaution to protect the health, safety, and well-being of passengers, crew, and the wider public. It has been operating four weekly flights on the Entebbe–Kinshasa route since December 2020 using Bombardier CRJ aircraft.

The restrictions come amid broader regional measures to contain Ebola, though President Yoweri Museveni has criticized the approach, saying it reflects unnecessary panic and that existing safeguards are sufficient to control the spread.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that all flights between Uganda and the DRC have been suspended, citing earlier official communications. The route—connecting Entebbe and Kinshasa—is served by multiple airlines, including Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Congo, all of which have now halted operations.