Ebola Outbreak Grounds Flights and Closes Borders, Cutting Off Bunia

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has stopped all flights to and from Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, as it tries to stop an Ebola outbreak from spreading. The Ministry of Transport and Communications ordered the suspension of air traffic in and out of the city, where the virus continues to infect new people.

In a statement, officials called it a precaution to protect passengers, crews, and airport workers. Humanitarian and medical flights can still operate, but only with special permission from health and aviation authorities. The goal is to keep medical teams and supplies moving while limiting wider travel.

Uganda, a key neighbor for trade and movement, has also tightened its border with the DRC. This double closure is already hurting businesses in Bunia. Sarah Bitangalo, a clothes retailer, said she imports goods from Kampala but can no longer get her orders delivered. “The closure is affecting my business,” she explained.

For Bernard Bahati, a teacher and father of three, the airport shutdown makes sense for health reasons but raises hard questions. “Hundreds of tonnes of food and other products come through this airport. We risk a health disaster paired with an economic one,” he warned.

Business owners like Mitterrand Mweze, who runs hotels and playgrounds, say the isolation threatens their survival. “Without the airport, we can only rely on people already here. Travelers boost our business,” he said. He’s asking the government for tax relief to keep from going under.

The Ebola outbreak was declared in mid-May 2026 and has already killed more than 220 people, with over 930 cases reported across three provinces. The Bundibugyo strain can be fatal in up to half of cases. The Africa Centres for Disease Control says nearly $500 million has been pledged to fight the outbreak. But in Bunia, economic analyst Pascal Tudja warns of a severe shortage of goods and rising prices. “We are going to face a real crisis,” he said.