Air France has temporarily suspended flights to and from Kinshasa after a passenger on its June 23, 2026 flight from Kinshasa to Paris Charles de Gaulle tested positive for Ebola.

In a notice published on its official website, the French airline said the suspension applies to its Kinshasa service in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It said it was making every effort to resume flights “as soon as possible.”

Air France also said it was working with local health authorities to strengthen pre-boarding health screening at Kinshasa airport. The airline said its teams were assisting affected customers and offering rebooking options.

The decision follows confirmation by French health authorities of an Ebola case involving a healthcare worker who had returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement dated June 24, the Congolese government said it had taken note of the announcement and said the individual was a doctor who had worked in the country’s Ebola response.

Enhanced Screening

Congolese authorities said anyone arriving from areas affected by the Ebola virus would now be required to wait 21 days before traveling again, either within the country or internationally. According to the government, the measure is intended to reduce the risk of transmission and improve the monitoring of people who may have been exposed.

The announcement adds to health measures already strengthened at Kinshasa’s N’djili International Airport. On June 18, the National Border Hygiene Program announced that all travelers departing from or arriving in Kinshasa must complete a digital health declaration before boarding. Once the form is submitted, travelers receive a QR code that must be presented to health screening officials.

According to Radio Okapi, the measures apply to domestic and international flights departing from or arriving in Kinshasa. They also include mandatory handwashing or hand sanitization, health screening of travelers, temperature checks, and referrals to appropriate health services for anyone showing symptoms consistent with the disease.

Fewer International Flight Options

Air France’s suspension comes as Kinshasa’s international air links are already under pressure. Since May 6, 2026, Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to the Congolese capital, with services scheduled to resume on Oct. 24. According to the Congolese Press Agency, that decision was not related to alleged mismanagement at N’djili Airport.

The temporary suspension by Air France further reduces air travel options between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Europe. The airline said the suspension was temporary and would remain in place while pre-boarding health screening in Kinshasa is strengthened.

Boaz Kabeya