Amid Ebola fears, French government asks Air France to stop Freetown flights

France's government is asking Air France to suspend flights to the largest city in Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in the region that has killed more than 1,400 people.

The government said Wednesday that the epidemic's growth — notably in Liberia and Sierra Leone — prompted its request. It also recommended that French citizens leave the area.

Air France had no immediate comment on the request.

Most regional and major airlines have suspended services to the three most affected countries, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The U.N. has warned that the lack of flights is making it increasingly difficult to bring in supplies. Even U.N. flights to bring humanitarian workers to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have faced restrictions.