May 29, 2026
NBAA urgently advises business aircraft operators arriving to the U.S. of updated arrival restrictions implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak across the central African countries of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the public health order, “Order Suspending The Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where A Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists.” DHS subsequently restricted entry of non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, if they had departed from, or were otherwise present in, those three countries within 21 days prior to their travel to the United States.
The order further stipulates that U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and certain pre-accepted aliens who have been in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan within that timeframe are only permitted to enter the U.S. at one of four DHS-designated airports:
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
“The Secretary of Homeland Security implemented this arrival restriction… as a proactive measure to protect the safety of the American public in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak,” noted a May 26 CBP Carrier Liaison Program advisory. “The designation of the above arrival airports was made by the Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and in consultation with HHS and the U.S. Department of Transportation and is subject to change.”
Unexpected changes have affected at least one NBAA member company, said Laura Everington, director of international operations and regulations for the association.
“This operator did everything right,” she said. “They set up landing rights and permission to arrive at Houston Intercontinental with the understanding that they needed the special clearance. However, they were turned around as they were more than halfway to IAH, as ATC advised all of CBP’s resources were dedicated to commercial airlines at that time.”
The flight wound up returning to the Bahamas and later flew to Dulles to be screened before heading to their passengers’ ultimate destination, 40 miles from IAH.
“Not only did that cost a lot more money, but it introduced safety concerns as well,” she said. “The discussion should have been held when the crew called for permission to land if it was suspected [CBP] may not have the resources.”
Cargo-only flights are excluded from the order. The current 30-day temporary entry suspension may be extended until the Ebola outbreak is contained.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.