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MONTREAL — An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal on May 20, 2026, after U.S. authorities determined a passenger from the Democratic Republic of the Congo had boarded in violation of new Ebola-related entry restrictions.

Air France Flight 378, a Boeing 777 operating as Delta codeshare DL8719, departed Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport around 4 p.m. local time. It landed at Montreal Trudeau International Airport at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET, according to FlightAware data.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed the diversion. A spokesperson stated: “Air France boarded a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo in error on a flight to the United States. Due to entry restrictions put in place to reduce the risk of the Ebola virus, the passenger should not have boarded the plane. CBP took decisive action and prohibited the flight carrying that traveler from landing at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and instead, diverted to Montreal, Canada.”

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The passenger was removed in Montreal. The aircraft remained on the ground for less than an hour before continuing to Detroit with the remaining passengers. There was no medical emergency on board.

Air France issued a statement: “Air France confirms that, at the request of U.S. authorities, Flight AF378 on May 20, 2026, operating the Paris-Charles de Gaulle–Detroit (DTW) route, was diverted to Montreal Airport after a Congolese passenger on board was denied entry into the United States. In fact, under new regulations, passengers arriving from certain countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, may only enter U.S. territory via Washington (IAD) Airport. There was no medical emergency on board, and like all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry requirements of the countries it serves.”

Deborah Mistor, a business class passenger, told CBS News the captain announced the diversion about four hours before the scheduled Detroit arrival. He later confirmed there were no technical issues with the plane. Flight attendants then wore face masks.

The incident stems from U.S. restrictions implemented amid an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of Uganda. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.

As of mid-May 2026, health officials reported hundreds of suspected cases and over 100 deaths in the region. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccines or specific treatments.

On May 18, the CDC and Department of Homeland Security enacted measures under Title 42 of the Public Health Service Act. Non-U.S. passport holders who had been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days face entry restrictions. Such travelers must enter through designated airports with enhanced screening, including Washington-Dulles International Airport.

CBP did not disclose details about the passenger’s recent travel history or symptoms. It remained unclear whether the individual was a Congolese national.

The Federal Aviation Administration referred inquiries to CBP. The CDC and Air France had no immediate additional comment beyond the diversion statement.

The diversion highlighted enforcement of the new rules just days after implementation. Airlines must screen passengers for recent travel to affected areas before boarding U.S.-bound flights.

Passengers on Flight 378 continued to Detroit after the stop in Montreal. No further health incidents were reported upon arrival.

This marks an early test of the U.S. response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public in the United States remains low due to the virus’s transmission method requiring direct contact with bodily fluids.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO continue monitoring the outbreak centered in Ituri Province, DRC. Cross-border movement and regional insecurity complicate containment efforts.

U.S. health authorities coordinate with international partners on screening, contact tracing and potential evacuations. A small number of U.S. citizens affected in the region have been medically evacuated.

The incident caused minor delays but no major disruptions to other flights. Montreal Trudeau International Airport handled the unscheduled arrival routinely.

Travelers and airlines adjust to the 30-day restrictions, effective through mid-June 2026. Enhanced public health measures at designated entry points include screening and monitoring protocols.

Air France and other carriers review boarding procedures to prevent similar occurrences. Compliance with destination country requirements remains mandatory.

The event drew attention on social media and aviation forums, with passengers sharing accounts of the mid-flight announcement and crew precautions.

Broader context includes ongoing global health vigilance following previous Ebola outbreaks. The current strain’s characteristics influence response strategies, including the lack of approved countermeasures.

U.S. officials continue risk assessments. No confirmed Ebola cases linked to this flight or recent U.S. arrivals from the region have been reported.

The diversion of Air France Flight 378 underscores the intersection of international travel, public health policy and rapid enforcement of entry rules during emerging infectious disease threats.

The shares of Apollo Micro Systems have recorded a sharp surge recently, rallying 22% in three sessions following the release of its results for the January-March quarter of the financial year 2026.

The shares of the company jumped nearly 6% to hit a fresh 52-week high of Rs 377.7 apiece on NSE in the morning trading hours of Thursday. The multibagger stock has rallied 28% in one month and 153% in one year, delivering 1,022% returns over three years and 3,026% returns over five years.

The defence player on Monday reported a 163% year-on-year (YoY) surge in its consolidated net profit to Rs 36.8 crore for Q4 FY26, from Rs 14 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The firm’s revenue from operations meanwhile rallied 81% YoY to Rs 293.3 crore during the quarter under review, as against Rs 161.8 crore in the year-ago period.

Also Read | Multibagger Apollo Micro Systems shares soar 19% in two sessions. What’s behind the sharp rise?

For the entire financial year which ended on March 31, 2026, Apollo Micro Systems reported a 90% YoY surge in net profit to Rs 107.4 crore, while revenue from operations jumped 61% You to Rs 940.3 crore. Apollo Micro Systems Managing Director Baddam Karunakar Reddy described FY26 as a “breakthrough year” for the company, driven by record revenue and profitability, the successful acquisition of IDL Explosives through ADIPL, the receipt of a DPIIT licence for UAV manufacturing, and the company securing its first export order.

Reddy also said another acquisition through ADIPL is likely to be completed before the end of the next financial year, which could further enhance the company’s capabilities and future growth prospects.
During the year, the company posted its highest-ever quarterly and annual EBITDA. It also delivered record profit after tax on both a quarterly and yearly basis, while achieving an all-time high order book. In addition, the company surpassed its annual PAT margin guidance.

Should buy, sell or hold Apollo Micro Systems shares?

Apollo Micro Systems has witnessed a strong breakout above the crucial Rs 355 resistance zone backed by sharp volume expansion, indicating fresh momentum buying and continuation of the ongoing uptrend, said Virat Jagad, Senior Technical Research Analyst, at Bonanza Portfolio.

Also Read | Market Trading Guide: Buy Manappuram Finance and Apollo Micro Systems on Thursday for gains up to 8%

“The stock is trading above all major EMAs, reflecting strong bullish structure across short- and long-term time frames, while RSI is sustaining above 60, supporting positive momentum despite minor volatility,” he said.

Investors can consider fresh buying with a stop loss of Rs 340, while upside target should be placed at Rs 385 and Rs 400, the analyst added. “Sustained trade above Rs 355 can further accelerate bullish momentum in coming sessions,” he further said.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Shares of Jubilant Foodworks crashed more than 8% on Thursday after the Domino’s India operator released its results for the fourth quarter of FY26, with brokerages reducing target prices citing multiple headwinds.

The company on Wednesday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 79.79 crore for the January-March quarter of the financial year 2026, marking a whopping 66% year-on-year (YoY) rise from the Rs 48 crore net profit reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The firm’s revenue from operations, meanwhile, grew 19% YoY to Rs 2,499 crore during the quarter under review, as against Rs 2,095 crore in the year-ago period.

Along with the Q4 results, Jubilant FoodWorks said its board recommended a dividend of Rs 1.2 per share (60%) with a face value of Rs 2 each for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2026. This is, however, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

“During March, select markets experienced temporary LPG supply constraints, which had a limited and localised impact on our operations. Overall, this translated into an estimated 30–40 basis points impact on Q4 FY26 like-for-like growth of Domino’s India. The situation was effectively managed through swift operational measures, including temporary menu reconfigurations at a small set of stores, dynamic realignment of delivery catchments, and use of alternative energy sources. Since then, we have progressively reduced our dependence on LPG, diversified vendor sourcing to further de-risk supply, and benefited from improved availability following the Government of India’s interventions. In Q1FY27, the LPG supply has largely normalised, and the business operations have normalised to pre-disruption levels,” the company said in its letter to shareholders.

Nuvama on Jubilant Foodworks

Nuvama said that Jubilant Foodworks’ Q4 earnings were “very weak” considering a pickup in growth sentiments across the QSR space and the peer group performing better. “The margin expansion outlook rests on two assumptions: accelerating Domino’s growth and Popeyes turning the corner on losses with scale. Both appear optimistic in the backdrop of rising cost pressures,” it said.
Nuvama maintained its ‘Buy’ rating with a negative bias on the shares of Jubilant Foodworks, and reduced its target price to Rs 646 apiece from Rs 744 apiece earlier. The latest target price implies an upside potential of nearly 37% from the stock’s previous closing price. The brokerage also reduced its earnings estimates for the Domino’s India operator.

Morgan Stanley on Jubilant Foodworks

Morgan Stanley maintained its ‘Equal weight’ rating on the shares of Jubilant Foodworks, with a target price of Rs 486 apiece, implying an upside potential of nearly 3% from the stock’s previous closing price.

The international brokerage highlighted that Domino’s India revenue growth moderated 5% YoY in Q4, and like-for-like growth declined sharply sequentially to 0.2%, ET Now reported. It added that the performance was impacted by lower average bill value and weaker dine-in sales.

Morgan Stanley expects the company to face margin headwinds from LPC, labour and commodity inflation, while noting that it has taken nearly 1.2% price hike so far. According to the international brokerage, weak Q4 and near-term headwinds can keep the stock under pressure.

Goldman Sachs on Jubilant Foodworks

Goldman Sachs maintained its ‘Neutral’ call on the shares of Jubilant Foodworks, but reduced its target price to Rs 460 from Rs 480. The latest target price implies a downside potential of nearly 3% from the stock’s previous closing price.

The international brokerage said that the firm’s Q4 EBITDA was slightly ahead of estimates due to Dunkin’ classification as discontinued operations, ET Now reported. It, however, flagged near-term margin pressure from energy, wage and raw material inflation.

Also Read: Protean eGov Technologies jumps 20% after strong Q4 profit and revenue growth

Goldman Sachs reduced its earnings estimates for the company, while expecting Domino’s India growth to lag peers in FY27.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Warren Buffett had a tortured relationship with airline investments as the conglomerate’s longtime chief executive. Now his successor, Greg Abel, is showing an early fondness for them, too. Berkshire declined to comment. It is possible the conglomerate has exited from or changed its Delta position, because its regulatory filing last week disclosing the stake reflected investments in the first quarter. Read more:

India’s equity markets continue to witness a tug-of-war between optimism in the broader market and caution around inflationary pressures, elevated crude prices, and uncertain global developments. While frontline indices remain largely range-bound, selective buying in midcaps and smallcaps has resurfaced as investors respond positively to quarterly earnings announcements.

Market expert Neeraj Dewan believes the broader market has started showing resilience again after a brief phase of profit booking earlier in May.

“There was this smallcap, midcap that has done very well in April. Then beginning of May we saw some profit booking but again buying is coming back once the results are getting declared. So, the market may remain range bound till you get absolute clarity. A lot of stocks which are dependent on crude will stay subdued. They will still stay in a range or may correct a bit, but broader market has started participating, that is something which is a welcome thing in the market,” said Dewan in an interaction with ET Now.

Margin Pressure Persists For QSR Players

Among individual stocks, investors closely tracked the earnings performance of Jubilant FoodWorks after the company reported disappointing overall numbers despite margin performance beating estimates.

According to Dewan, disruptions in the food business likely impacted the quarter, even as margins held up relatively well. He noted that elevated crude and raw material costs remain a key concern for food companies, particularly in a highly competitive quick-service restaurant environment.
“Yes, this quarter there were disruptions for the food business, so I think that would have come into the numbers. Because margins are still intact and margins as per what people were expecting, so I feel that if things were to improve as far as crude prices are concerned, as far as raw material prices are concerned, then things may look better,” he said.He added that while seasonal demand during the holiday period may support revenue recovery, inflation continues to threaten profitability across the sector.

Competition has also intensified significantly in the QSR space, limiting the ability of companies to pass higher input costs on to consumers.

“Yes, QSR because there is a lot of competition now. So, earlier there was less competition, so they were able to pass on the price increases easily. But for someone like a Jubilant Food or even McDonald’s now there is competition from local domestic players whether pizzas, burgers you get so many options now. So, it is not so easy to pass on,” Dewan noted.

He cautioned that sustained inflation could continue to weigh on margins and suggested investors remain in a wait-and-watch mode until there is greater visibility on inflation trends and sales momentum.

Auto Ancillaries See Selective Value Buying

The auto ancillary space, which had remained under pressure due to rising crude-linked input costs, is now witnessing selective buying interest.

Dewan highlighted that tyre companies and several ancillary stocks have not reacted strongly despite posting healthy earnings, mainly because of concerns around elevated crude prices. However, he believes a meaningful correction in crude oil prices could trigger sharp buying and short-covering in these counters.

“Yes, I think there was some pressure in the auto ancillaries earlier but slowly some value buying is emerging there. Even if you look at tyre stocks, there is pressure there because crude prices are high and there is a lot of dependence on crude for tyre companies,” he said.

He added that any easing in geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the US and Iran, could significantly improve sentiment for these stocks.

IT Rally Seen More As Tactical Play

On the information technology sector, Dewan described the recent move in IT stocks as largely tactical rather than conviction-driven.

Despite some bargain hunting after steep corrections, he believes weak earnings guidance from major IT companies continues to cap enthusiasm in the sector.

“It is a value buying which is happening. It is more like a tactical play because the kind of guidance that they have given is also so low that you do not expect too much to happen as far as earnings is concerned for them this year also,” he said.

He pointed out that companies with stronger enterprise solutions and differentiated products could outperform peers, though broad-based confidence in the sector remains limited.

Long-Term EV Ecosystem Story Still Intact

Dewan also shared a constructive outlook on the electric vehicle ecosystem, particularly companies investing heavily in energy storage and battery infrastructure.

While he remained cautious on Ola Electric, he expressed optimism about players such as JSW Energy and Adani Green Energy, citing their large-scale investments in battery storage and clean energy solutions.

“The EV based capex has been coming but because it is huge capex that is required for some of these companies, so it is taking time for the execution to happen,” Dewan said.

He believes these companies could benefit meaningfully over the next two to three years as capacities ramp up and economies of scale begin to improve profitability.

Cautious Optimism On Two-Wheelers

Within the automobile space, Dewan maintained a positive long-term view on two-wheelers but advised investors to remain selective in the near term amid inflation concerns and macro uncertainty.

Among key players, he favours TVS Motor Company due to its strong execution and consistent earnings performance over recent quarters.

“I like TVS because they have done very well as far execution is concerned and last so many quarters now they have been showing good results also,” he said.

However, he recommended gradual accumulation rather than aggressive buying, citing concerns around inflation, monsoon progress, and crude price volatility.

ITC, Hospitals In Focus During Earnings Season

In the FMCG space, investors are awaiting earnings from ITC Limited amid concerns over duty hikes and their potential impact on cigarette volumes.

Dewan believes ITC could still deliver healthy volume growth alongside stable FMCG margins, especially after encouraging numbers from peers such as Godfrey Phillips India, Tata Consumer Products and Hindustan Unilever.

Healthcare stocks also continue to remain strong despite elevated valuations. Dewan expects Max Healthcare Institute to report robust numbers in line with the performance of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise.

“Actually, all these hospital stocks though we have been for the last six months, one year that they are expensive but the numbers have been always quite positive and they have been able to declare better numbers and that is why the stocks have also been performing,” he said.

As earnings season progresses, investors are likely to remain focused on management commentary around inflation, input costs, demand recovery, and margin sustainability across sectors.