The main airport serving Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicentre of the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, has resumed operations after a 10-day closure imposed to strengthen public health and safety measures.
Bunia Airport, a key transportation hub in the provincial capital, had been shut to commercial traffic as part of emergency measures introduced by the Congolese government after health authorities confirmed Ebola cases in the region.
During the suspension, only humanitarian and medical flights were allowed to operate, enabling healthcare workers, emergency supplies and response teams to continue supporting outbreak containment efforts.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Transport said the conditions necessary for the safe resumption of aviation activities had now been met, adding that enhanced disease prevention protocols aimed at limiting the spread of the virus had also been introduced.
“The conditions are now in place to allow a gradual and safe resumption of air transport activities,” the ministry said, adding that the airport would reopen with immediate effect.
The ministry also outlined mandatory health measures for all passengers using the facility, including temperature screening before departure and on arrival, compulsory handwashing prior to boarding, and close monitoring for Ebola-related symptoms.
Under the new directives, any passenger showing signs of fever or illness will be denied boarding and may be referred for further medical evaluation.
Health Minister Samuel Kamba said the temporary closure was necessary to give authorities time to put in place adequate protective measures for travellers and airport personnel.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing the spread of Ebola beyond affected areas while ensuring that essential transport links remain functional.
The reopening of Bunia Airport is expected to ease travel and support economic activity in Ituri Province, which has also been affected by long-standing security challenges linked to armed conflict. However, health authorities have urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant and comply strictly with preventive guidelines.
The latest Ebola outbreak has prompted renewed efforts by Congolese health authorities, supported by international partners, to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination campaigns and public awareness in order to contain the disease and prevent further infections.
Officials said monitoring at Bunia Airport and other entry points would continue as part of the broader national response strategy to curb the outbreak and protect public health.