Air France (AF, Paris CDG) is the latest international carrier to announce a suspension of flights to West Africa following the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus there. The airline said it would temporarily suspend its flights to Freetown in Sierra Leone with effect from Thursday, August 28, 2014 but noted that its Conakry and Lagos operations would remain unchanged.
"Following analysis of the situation and as requested by the French government, Air France confirms that it is maintaining its flight schedule to and from Guinea (Conakry/1 flight a day) and Nigeria (Lagos/1 flight a day)," it said.
Air France has faced increasing resistance from its cabin crew some of whom have refused to serve on-board flights bound for Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria over fears of the Ebola outbreak.
Concerning the countermeasures it has employed, the airline has ensured its flights are equipped with face masks, rubber gloves and alcohol-gel with the temperatures of all passengers taken at boarding to determine whether they have a fever or not.
British Airways (BA, London Heathrow) has announced it would extend its cancellation of Monrovia Roberts and Freetown flights until December 31, 2014.
