The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives for airlines following the Ebola outbreak being declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization.
Airlines have been instructed to ensure mandatory self-declaration forms for passengers arriving from affected countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In-flight announcements must inform passengers about Ebola symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and bleeding, urging immediate reporting to crew or medical authorities.
Isolation protocols have been mandated: suspected cases must be seated at the rear of the aircraft, with three rows kept vacant around them, attended by a single crew member, and provided a separate washroom.
Airlines must stock PPE kits, masks, gloves, sanitizers, and biohazard disposal bags, and disinfect aircraft thoroughly after landing if a suspected case is detected.
Passengers are advised to monitor their health for 21 days post-arrival and seek medical care if symptoms develop, as part of India’s preventive measures against Ebola spread.
