An Air France flight was blocked from entering US airspace and instead diverted to Canada over fears of one passenger's potential exposure to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Air France Flight 378 was scheduled to land at Detroit Metro Wayne Airport in Michigan on Wednesday afternoon but was rerouted to Montreal Trudeau International Airport in Canada.
US Officials Stop Flight
US officials prevented the flight from entering the country after it was revealed that a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo was allowed to board in error, the US Customs and Border Protection told CBS News. Due to entry restrictions aimed at reducing the risk of the Ebola virus, the passenger should not have boarded the plane, a CBP spokesperson said. CBP took decisive action and prohibited the flight from landing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, diverting it to Montreal, Canada.
Airline Cooperation
The Air France flight was operating in conjunction with Delta Airlines during the change in arrival location. Air France confirmed that, at the request of US authorities, Flight AF378 was diverted to Montreal Airport after a Congolese passenger on board was denied entry into the United States. There was no medical emergency on board, and like all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry requirements of the countries it serves.
Background on Ebola Restrictions
Ongoing outbreaks in Eastern and Central Africa have forced government agencies to adjust protocols and restrict travel from anyone who has visited the affected region into the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security implemented heightened measures on Monday, including enhanced travel screening, restricted entry, and public health measures to prevent Ebola from entering the country.
