India has stepped up aviation health surveillance after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday issued a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines operating flights connected to the affected regions to strengthen screening and prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in India.
Airlines Asked to Collect Mandatory Self-Declaration Forms
Under the revised SOP, airlines have been directed to ensure that passengers travelling from Ebola-affected regions submit mandatory self-declaration forms before disembarkation.
The move is aimed at improving passenger tracking, health monitoring, and rapid response in case of suspected infections.
Officials said the updated guidelines are part of India’s preventive preparedness strategy as global health agencies continue monitoring the outbreak situation in central Africa.
Mandatory Health Announcements During Flights
The DGCA has also instructed airlines to make onboard health announcements to help identify possible Ebola symptoms early.
Passengers have been advised to immediately alert cabin crew members, airport health officials, or immigration authorities if they experience symptoms linked to Ebola.
The symptoms highlighted in the advisory include:
- Fever
- Severe weakness
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Unexplained bleeding
Health authorities said early reporting is critical to preventing transmission and ensuring timely medical treatment.
Special Protocol for Suspected Ebola Cases on Aircraft
The SOP outlines strict procedures for handling suspected Ebola cases during flights.
If a passenger develops symptoms onboard, airlines have been instructed to relocate the individual to the rear section of the aircraft whenever possible. Authorities also advised keeping three rows in front of the passenger vacant, along with adjacent seats, to reduce exposure risks.
Travellers who develop symptoms within 21 days of arriving in India have been asked to immediately contact designated hospitals and inform airport health offices.
Airlines Directed to Maintain Safety Equipment
As part of the preparedness measures, airlines must maintain sufficient stocks of medical and protective supplies, including:
- Triple-layer masks
- Disposable gloves
- PPE kits
- Hand sanitisers
- Biohazard disposal bags
The guidelines come amid heightened international concern over the expanding Ebola outbreak and increasing global surveillance efforts.
Indian health authorities have clarified that no confirmed Ebola case has been detected in the country so far, though monitoring has been intensified at airports and healthcare facilities.
