The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has reopened the main airport in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, following a 10-day suspension of commercial flights imposed due to an Ebola outbreak in the region.
The airport had been closed on May 23 as authorities restricted air traffic to medical and humanitarian operations only, in a bid to contain the spread of the highly contagious haemorrhagic virus.
Officials said the decision to resume flights was taken after a reassessment of the outbreak response and surveillance systems.
According to the transport ministry, “conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights,” signalling a cautious return to normal air operations in the conflict-hit eastern region.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15 in Ituri Province, has already placed significant pressure on health systems in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda.
Health authorities, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), estimate that at least 246 deaths have been linked to the epidemic across the affected areas.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has continued to support response efforts, with Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently visiting Ebola treatment facilities in Bunia to assess progress and observe the discharge of recovered patients.
Despite the reopening of the airport, health officials have warned that the situation remains fragile.
The virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, continues to pose a serious risk in densely populated and conflict-affected communities.
Health Minister Samuel Kamba said enhanced safety protocols remain in place to protect travellers and limit further transmission.
He stressed the need for strict monitoring at entry points as movement gradually resumes.
Public health awareness campaigns have also been intensified in affected areas, with community groups and health workers carrying out sensitisation drives to curb misinformation and encourage early reporting of symptoms.
Meanwhile, authorities say surveillance and contact tracing efforts remain active as the outbreak continues to evolve.
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo remains one of the most serious public health challenges in the region this year, amid ongoing insecurity and limited access to remote communities.
