India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has implemented a comprehensive set of operating procedures for airlines. These new measures aim to fortify India's preparedness against the potential spread of Ebola disease, responding to a recent alert from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding outbreaks in parts of Africa.
The DGCA's directive, issued on May 22, follows the WHO's declaration on May 17 concerning an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The regulator has also identified neighboring Uganda and South Sudan as regions facing a heightened risk of disease transmission, necessitating proactive steps.
Mandatory Screening and Reporting for Travelers
Under the newly established Ebola preparedness protocol, airlines operating flights with direct or indirect connections to Uganda and the DRC are now required to implement mandatory passenger screening and reporting measures before arrival in India. A crucial component of this protocol is the compulsory collection of Self-Declaration Forms (SDFs) from all passengers whose journeys originate from or transit through these affected countries.
Airlines have also been instructed to broadcast specific in-flight health announcements. These announcements will serve to alert travelers about common Ebola symptoms, which include fever, general weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and any unexplained bleeding. All passengers and crew, regardless of their nationality, must complete these declaration forms and submit them at designated immigration counters upon arrival.
On-Board Containment and Post-Arrival Management
The DGCA advisory further stipulates that any traveler developing Ebola-like symptoms within 21 days of arriving in India must immediately seek medical attention from designated hospitals and inform airport health authorities. Detailed on-board containment procedures have also been outlined for managing suspected cases during flights.
- Cabin crew must isolate symptomatic passengers.
- Passengers should be relocated to minimize exposure to others, with adjacent rows kept vacant where feasible.
- A separate lavatory must be designated exclusively for the use of suspected passengers.
- Airlines are responsible for providing suspected passengers with masks and appropriate protective equipment.
Upon landing, airline operators are mandated to coordinate closely with airport health authorities and air traffic control for the seamless management of suspected cases. These measures include staggered de-boarding processes, thermal screening for all passengers arriving from affected countries, and the sharing of passenger details for ongoing health monitoring.
Crew Training and Equipment Readiness
To ensure robust implementation, the regulator has directed airlines to conduct targeted training for their crew members. This training will cover the specifics of the new protocols and how to handle potential Ebola cases effectively. Furthermore, airlines must maintain adequate stocks of protective equipment, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, first-aid kits, and biohazard disposal bags, all in strict adherence to international aviation guidelines.
The DGCA emphasized that strict compliance with this new order is mandatory. Airline operators have been instructed to disseminate these instructions immediately across their flight operations, cabin safety, and ground handling teams to ensure all personnel are fully aware and prepared.