KLM Halts Uganda Flights Amidst Ebola Travel Restrictions

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced a temporary suspension of its flights serving Entebbe International Airport. The decision follows the implementation of new travel and entry protocols by several countries, triggered by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, which now extend to airline crews.

This move marks a significant development, as KLM becomes the first major European carrier to pause Ugandan operations since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency. While Entebbe itself is not an active Ebola risk zone, the international restrictions imposed on individuals transiting through Uganda have created operational challenges for the airline.

According to KLM’s advisory, flights scheduled for May 30 and June 1, 2026, have been cancelled. The airline has stated that affected passengers will be contacted for rebooking or refunds and advises all travelers to check their flight status via ‘My Trip’ or the KLM app.

The suspension highlights the growing regional impact of the health crisis. Uganda has already suspended flights to certain areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other cross-border limitations are in place. Aviation experts note that varying governmental health requirements are causing significant logistical issues for airlines operating in the East and Central African region.

KLM emphasized that it is continuously monitoring the situation and is exploring options to resume services. The airline hopes to recommence flights once the travel rules concerning airline crews are clarified. Other carriers, such as Brussels Airlines and Emirates, have also issued advisories, reflecting similar concerns regarding crew movement and passenger transit due to Ebola-related measures.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)