KLM temporarily suspends Uganda flights over Ebola travel restrictions

The Royal Dutch Airlines KLM has temporarily suspended flights to and from Entebbe International Airport, citing new travel and entry restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
The move affects passengers and crew, and marks the first major European carrier to halt Uganda operations since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency.
 
The Uganda Civil Aviation (UCAA)’s Senior Communications Manager, Mr Vianney Luggya confirmed the suspension but referred this publication to KLM Airlines for details.
 
In a statement issued on May 29, KLM confirmed that it cancelled flights to and from Entebbe scheduled for May 30 and June 1, 2026. Flightradar24 data shows two Amsterdam-Entebbe services with a layover in Kigali, Rwanda, were grounded on Saturday and Monday. In a travel advisory posted on KLM’s Uganda website, the airline said affected passengers will be contacted directly to arrange rebooking or refunds. KLM also urged travelers to check flight status via “My Trip” or the KLM app before heading to the airport.
 
The airline stressed that Entebbe itself is not currently classified as an active Ebola risk zone. However, several countries have introduced entry measures for anyone who recently passed through Uganda, and those rules now extend to airline crews. Because KLM cannot operate its scheduled routes without violating those measures, it had no choice but to pause the service. “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and looking into what’s possible,” the airline said in its advisory. 
 
The suspension comes after WHO declared the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, though it does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency. The US introduced enhanced screening and entry restrictions in May to prevent spread of the disease. Brussels Airlines reported similar crew challenges last week, noting restrictions barred crew members from entering the U.S. if they had been in DRC or Uganda in the previous 21 days. Emirates also advised travellers to check destination requirements before flying due to Ebola-related measures.
 
Regional impact widens
 
The travel restrictions are already rippling through East and Central Africa. Uganda recently suspended flights to parts of DRC, and other cross-border limits have been introduced as authorities try to contain the virus. Aviation analysts warn that varying health requirements from different governments are creating operational headaches for airlines serving the region.
 
KLM said it will keep monitoring developments before deciding on further operations. For now, the suspension is framed as temporary, with the airline hoping to resume flights once crew travel rules are clarified.