The Democratic Republic of Congo's aviation authority, RVA, has extended the suspension of commercial flights at Bunia's Murongo airport until February 8, 2027. This decision was made due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. The suspension, which began on November 8, 2026, at 08:45 UTC, replaces a previous notice and affects all commercial flights to and from Bunia.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to 9,552 confirmed cases and 4,602 deaths nationwide as of October 18, 2026. The Ituri province, where Bunia is located, accounts for 6,960 cases, or approximately 73% of the national total. The government had initially suspended flights to and from Bunia on May 23, 2026, as part of measures to limit the spread of the disease.
Although flights were briefly allowed to resume on June 1, 2026, with enhanced health checks, they were again suspended on June 6, 2026. Since then, only humanitarian and health-related operations have been permitted with special authorization. The continued suspension of commercial flights has raised concerns among local politicians and residents, who argue that it has significant economic and social implications for the region.
Several politicians, including national deputies Néné Kashinde Avodjoa and Jean-Marie Akandabo Imbay, have called for the resumption of commercial flights with adequate health measures in place. They propose setting up teams to monitor the health of travelers and strengthening epidemiological surveillance as alternatives to prolonged airport closures.
The prolonged suspension of commercial flights at Bunia's Murongo airport has significant economic and social implications for the Ituri province. The airport is a vital transportation hub, connecting Bunia to several major cities in the country. Its closure has complicated travel, trade, and access to essential services in a region already facing security and infrastructure challenges.
Local leaders have also questioned the fairness of the flight suspension in Ituri compared to other provinces facing similar health and security challenges. They cite the Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces, where commercial flights continue to operate. The RVA and Ministry of Transport have yet to comment on the possibility of resuming commercial flights under controlled conditions.
The RVA's decision to extend the suspension of commercial flights at Bunia's Murongo airport until February 8, 2027, leaves residents and travelers uncertain about when they can expect a return to normal air travel. The ongoing Ebola outbreak and its impact on the region's transportation infrastructure remain a pressing concern for local authorities and residents.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's aviation authority has extended the suspension of commercial flights at Bunia's Murongo airport until February 8, 2027.
- The Ebola outbreak in the region has led to 9,552 confirmed cases and 4,602 deaths nationwide as of October 18, 2026.
- Local politicians and residents are calling for the resumption of commercial flights with adequate health measures in place.
