The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued comprehensive DGCA Ebola directives to tackle public health risks. Specifically, these robust guidelines seek to secure Indian borders against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Consequently, aviation watchdogs have targeted flights from high-risk regions like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda confirmed that India has not reported any active cases so far.

Details of the DGCA Ebola Directives

To ensure maximum safety, airlines must implement multiple stringent measures before and during flights. For instance, air carriers must make mandatory in-flight announcements highlighting common symptoms of the disease. These symptoms include sudden fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding. Furthermore, the crew must distribute and collect mandatory Self-Declaration Forms (SDFs) prior to deboarding. This applies to all passengers coming from or transiting through Uganda and Congo, irrespective of their nationality. Additionally, the regulatory body lists seventeen airlines from Uganda and thirteen from Congo that must follow these protocols. These carriers include prominent operators like Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Emirates, and KLM. Therefore, airlines must coordinate closely with airport health offices to streamline the entire process.

Handling Suspected Cases Onboard

If a passenger displays potential symptoms during the flight, the crew must immediately execute specialized isolation protocols. Specifically, crew members should relocate the symptomatic traveler to the rear end of the aircraft. Moreover, they must keep three rows in front and the adjacent side rows vacant if space permits. To minimize risk, airlines must designate a single cabin crew member to care exclusively for the symptomatic patient. Consequently, airlines must maintain an adequate reserve stock of protective medical gear on every flight. This stock includes triple-layer masks, disposable gloves, PPE kits, hand sanitizers, and bio-hazard disposal bags. Additionally, airports will park any aircraft carrying a suspected case in a separate, designated bay. This isolated parking allows health authorities to conduct safe, prompt screening upon arrival.

Broad Preparedness and Surveillance Measures

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Therefore, India has intensified screening across all international airports, seaports, and land crossings. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda held high-level meetings with senior health officials to review the country's medical readiness. Consequently, the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control remain on high alert. Furthermore, medical authorities advise any traveler developing symptoms within 21 days of arrival to contact a designated hospital. Indeed, early detection is absolutely critical because the Bundibugyo strain currently lacks approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments. As a result, strict adherence to these administrative and clinical directives will protect the community and prevent potential local transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the primary symptoms that incoming travelers must report under the new guidelines?

Under the new directives, passengers must immediately report symptoms such as sudden fever, muscle pain, weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or unexplained bleeding to the cabin crew or immigration officials.

Q2: Which passengers are required to fill out the mandatory Self-Declaration Form (SDF)?

All passengers and crew members, regardless of their nationality, who are originating from or transiting through Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must fill out the Self-Declaration Form before deboarding.

Q3: What on-board measures must airlines take if they suspect an Ebola case during a flight?

In such instances, the crew should relocate the passenger to the rear of the aircraft. Furthermore, they should keep three rows in front and adjacent side rows vacant, designate a single crew member for their care, and ensure the aircraft parks in a separate, designated bay upon arrival.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Ebola scare: DGCA asks airlines make in-flight announcements, take othermeasures - ETHealthworld


2. DGCA issues directives for airlines after Ebola outbreak declared health emergency by WHO - Akashvani News


3. Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Travel Advisory, May 23, 2026