TORONTO: An Air France flight bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo boarded a flight in Paris “in error” amid flight restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak, US Customs and Border Protection said Thursday.
Incident Details
A spokesperson for the agency stated that the passenger “should not have boarded” the plane on Wednesday due to US entry restrictions implemented to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading. Air France confirmed that the Congolese passenger was denied entry into the United States because of new regulations requiring travelers from certain countries, including the Congo, to enter only through Washington, D.C.
US Entry Restrictions
The restrictions were put in place as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Ebola, which has been a concern in several African nations. Under these rules, passengers from affected countries must arrive at designated US airports with enhanced screening capabilities. Washington Dulles International Airport is one of the designated entry points.
According to US Customs and Border Protection, the passenger inadvertently boarded a flight to Detroit instead of a connecting flight to Washington, D.C. The error was discovered mid-flight, prompting the diversion to Montreal. Upon landing, the passenger was interviewed by health officials and border agents before being placed on a flight to Washington, D.C., where they underwent proper screening.
Air France expressed regret over the incident and stated that they are reviewing their boarding procedures to prevent similar occurrences. The airline emphasized that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain their top priority.
The flight, which originated in Paris, eventually continued to Detroit after the diversion. No other passengers were affected, and the airline apologized for the inconvenience caused by the delay.
This incident highlights the strict enforcement of health-related travel restrictions during public health emergencies. The US government continues to monitor the Ebola situation and adjust entry requirements as necessary to protect public health.
