British Airways has temporarily suspended its flights to Sierra Leone and Liberia out of concern over the outbreak of the Ebola disease which has killed over 800 people.
British Airways joins three other airlines, Arik Air, Emirates and Asky who have halted their operations to these Ebola-hit countries to avoid the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of their passengers.
The suspension is until August 31, 2014, after which an assessment will be done, to review their decision.
A statement from British Airways sent to travel companies said: “British Airways services from London Heathrow to Freetown and Monrovia will be temporarily suspended from tomorrow, 6 August until 31 August 2014, due to the deteriorating public health situation in both countries.”
Meanwhile, the growing threat of the deadly Ebola disease has raised concerns about safety of airlines plying routes to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
Questions have been raised about flights from these regions into Ghana by Delta Airlines and Kenya Airways.
In a statement from Delta Airlines issued to Citi Business News, the US-based airline says they are confident they have the system in place to monitor and respond effectively to any case of the Ebola virus
It said: “As a routine matter for operating a global airline, Delta has infrastructure and processes in place to monitor and quickly respond to potentially contagious diseases around the world, including regular communication with global health organizations and access in the air and on the ground to professional medical advisors.”
“Delta is closely monitoring conditions at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, Liberia to ensure safe and secure operation for customers and employees,” it added.
By: Kwaku Anim Boadu/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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