KLM cancels Uganda flights amid Ebola-related travel restrictions

KLM has suspended a number of flights to Entebbe, Uganda, in response to international measures introduced following an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. The airline confirmed the decision through a spokesperson after the news was first reported by NH Nieuws.

KLM cancelled three services between Schiphol Airport and Uganda on May 30, June 1, and June 3. The airline says it has not yet decided whether additional flights on the route will be affected. For now, flights to Entebbe remain scheduled for Friday and Saturday, operating via a stop in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city.

KLM stressed that it does not currently consider the Ebola outbreak to pose a direct health risk to its operations. Instead, the cancellations stem from travel restrictions imposed by other countries, including rules barring entry to travellers who have recently visited Entebbe.

According to the airline, those measures complicate crew scheduling, as staff who fly to Uganda may face restrictions when operating services to other destinations. KLM said affected passengers have been accommodated on flights operated by other carriers.

An Ebola outbreak was declared in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in mid-May, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend commercial flights from the airport serving the provincial capital of Ituri. The airport has since resumed operations. Meanwhile, neighbouring Uganda has also reported confirmed cases of the potentially fatal virus.