Air France Diverts 312-Passenger Detroit Flight to Montreal as U.S. Enforces Ebola Entry Rules
Updated
Updated · WDIV ClickOnDetroit · May 21
Air France Diverts 312-Passenger Detroit Flight to Montreal as U.S. Enforces Ebola Entry Rules
17 articles · Updated · WDIV ClickOnDetroit · May 21
AF378 from Paris to Detroit was turned away from U.S. airspace on May 20 and diverted to Montreal after authorities found a Democratic Republic of Congo passenger on board.
CBP said Air France boarded the traveler in error under emergency Ebola restrictions; passengers arriving from certain countries, including the DRC, may enter only through Washington Dulles, while most foreign nationals are barred after recent travel there.
Air France said there was no medical emergency on the Boeing 777-200, and an onboard passenger reported crew wore masks after pilots said Detroit landing permission had been denied.
The diversion follows a CDC order issued Monday amid the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak; a U.S. doctor infected in Congo was evacuated to Germany, and WHO says the strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
As the U.S. bans travelers to stop Ebola, could this policy actually be making the global crisis worse?
Is rerouting flights the best defense against a new Ebola threat, or a flawed public health strategy?