Three major Mexican airlines have announced temporary travel restrictions for passengers arriving from parts of Central Africa as concerns grow over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup.
In separate statements issued on Friday, May 29, Aeromexico, Viva and Volaris said travellers who have recently been in affected countries would face restrictions on flights into Mexico.
According to Aeromexico, “Entry into Mexico by air is restricted for travellers who have stayed in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the last 21 days.”
Viva and Volaris announced similar measures, stating that the restrictions will remain in force for 60 days.
The development comes as Mexico prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 in Mexico City, where hosts Mexico national football team are set to face South Africa national football team in the opening match.
The outbreak has also attracted attention because Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team has qualified for the tournament and is expected to play group-stage matches in both the United States and Mexico.
Reports indicate that the Congolese squad has been training in Belgium and plans to use Houston, Texas, as its tournament base.
According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola outbreak has resulted in 17 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected deaths since it was first reported on May 15.
Health authorities have also recorded 125 confirmed cases and more than 900 suspected infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Officials say the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, prompting heightened surveillance and precautionary measures by governments and transport operators ahead of the global football tournament.