Three Mexican airlines have announced temporary travel restrictions for passengers arriving from parts of Central Africa following an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The airlines — Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris — said the measures apply to travellers who have recently been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan within the last 21 days.
In separate statements, the carriers said entry into Mexico by air would be restricted for affected passengers as part of precautionary health measures. The restrictions are expected to remain in place for 60 days.
The development comes as Mexico prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, with the opening match scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, which is currently experiencing the outbreak, is among the teams qualified for the tournament. The country is expected to play its group-stage matches in the United States and Mexico, with reports indicating the national team has been training in Belgium ahead of the competition.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak has so far recorded 125 confirmed cases and more than 900 suspected cases, resulting in 17 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected deaths since May 15.
Health authorities say the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Aeroméxico stated that entry restrictions are part of efforts to prevent potential cross-border health risks as global travel increases ahead of the tournament.
The airline added that passengers affected by the directive would be subject to additional screening or denied boarding depending on their travel history.
Public health experts have continued to urge countries to strengthen surveillance and border health checks to contain possible spread of the virus during the high-traffic World Cup period.
Organisers of the tournament have not yet issued any changes to the schedule despite the development.
