This past weekend has brought a lot of chatter about what to do with people coming into the U.S. from countries where the Ebola crisis is raging, but what about the airlines? While North American airliners don’t generally serve Western Africa, many European and Asian carriers serve the region, as do local airlines that fly throughout the African continent. Here are some of the airlines that have restricted their routes in Ebola-affected countries since the current crisis began in August.
(All information in this list is from International SOS.)
Air France
The French flag-carrier has banned flights to Sierra Leone, one of the principal countries in the current Ebola crisis. This move was made at the request of the French government. Air France is still flying into Guinea and Nigeria once a week, according to the Daily Mail.
British Airways
This decision of this U.K. carrier to stop flying to Liberia and Sierra Leone was made in August, and it currently plans to extend that cessation of service at least through the end of 2014.
Emirates Airlines
This Dubai-based carrier usually flies to Guinea, but became the first major international airline to suspend flights to Ebola-affected regions when it halted such routes in early August.
Korean Air
Kenya is not actually part of the Ebola crisis region, but that didn't stop Korean air from ending flights in and out of the country in August. USA Today notes that some of the fear is derived from people from Ebola-affected countries taking flights into Kenya.
Senegal Airlines
This African carrier has cancelled all flights into Guinea until further notice.
Arik Air and other African airlines
In addition to the European and Asian airlines, a number of airlines within Africa have changed their routes. Arik Air, Gambia Bird, Kenya Airways and Asky Airlines have all cancelled flights involving Liberia and Sierra Leone. Togo-based Aksy Airlines has also ruled out flights to Guinea.
