DGCA Mandates Ebola Screening Measures For Passengers Arriving From Affected Regions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to implement mandatory health screening measures for passengers travelling from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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The new standard operating procedures (SOPs), issued through an office order dated May 22, require all passengers and crew members arriving from affected regions to fill out self-declaration forms before disembarkation and submit them at designated immigration or health counters in India.

The move follows the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) classification of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the DRC as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

According to the DGCA, neighbouring countries such as South Sudan have also been categorised as high-risk regions for possible disease transmission.

Airlines Asked To Broadcast Health Announcements

Under the revised guidelines, airlines have been instructed to make specific health announcements during flights to identify potential Ebola cases at an early stage.

Passengers have been advised to immediately report symptoms including fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, rash or bleeding to airline crew members and airport medical authorities upon arrival.

The DGCA has also asked airlines to inform travellers that any Ebola-related symptoms developing within 21 days of arrival in India should be reported immediately to designated hospitals and airport health authorities.

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The aviation sector has already been dealing with elevated fuel costs and disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Additional compliance measures and passenger screening protocols could increase operational monitoring requirements for airlines operating international routes.

Separate Crew Member To Handle Suspected Cases

Airlines operating flights connected to affected regions have also been directed to assign one dedicated cabin crew member to attend to any symptomatic passenger during the flight.

The regulator said airlines must ensure aircraft disinfection procedures are carried out after landing if any suspected Ebola case is identified onboard.

In addition, airlines have been instructed to conduct targeted training programmes for crew members on handling public health emergencies and implementing in-flight safety protocols related to infectious diseases.

The DGCA order forms part of India’s precautionary measures aimed at strengthening surveillance and limiting the risk of Ebola transmission through international travel routes.