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Customs Diverts Air France Flight to Montreal Over Congo Passenger

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Customs forced Air France Flight AF378 on May 20, 2026 to land in Montreal after a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo was found.
The diversion obeyed a CDC order barring non-U.S. travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, meeting rule that requires entry via Washington Dulles for enhanced screening.
After removal in Montreal, the plane resumed and landed in Detroit shortly after 8 p.m. local time.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the WHO issued a global SARS alert; the United States screened roughly 3,000 passengers from China, Hong Kong and Singapore, spending $150 million, after Air China Flight 112 spread the virus to dozens on a three-hour trip. The same approach resurfaced in May 2026 when U.S. Customs, under CDC orders, diverted an Air France flight from Ebola-risk African nations, illustrating the lasting impact of SARS-era travel controls.

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Story summary

U.S. Customs forced Air France Flight AF378 on May 20, 2026 to land in Montreal after a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo was found.
The diversion obeyed a CDC order barring non-U.S. travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, meeting rule that requires entry via Washington Dulles for enhanced screening.
After removal in Montreal, the plane resumed and landed in Detroit shortly after 8 p.m. local time.

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