Amid concerns over Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines operating flights connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, directing enhanced screening and precautionary measures for incoming passengers.
The SOP has been issued to strengthen preparedness and prevent potential cross-border health risks, with airlines instructed to implement mandatory passenger declarations and follow strict monitoring protocols for travellers arriving from affected regions.
DGCA has mandated that airlines with connectivity to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda ensure compliance with health screening requirements, including identification of suspected cases, isolation protocols, and coordination with airport health authorities.
Under the new guidelines, segregated seating arrangements must be made for suspected or symptomatic passengers during transit. Airlines are also required to ensure that passengers complete mandatory health declarations prior to boarding, enabling early identification of potential risk cases.
Filing of a self-declaration form has been made mandatory for passengers travelling on airlines with direct or indirect connectivity to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Airlines are required to ensure that this form is completed before passengers de-board upon arrival in India.
Mandatory onboard announcements must be made during flights informing passengers about Ebola disease symptoms and related health precautions. Airlines must also implement strict in-flight protocols in case any passenger displays symptoms consistent with infection.
If a suspected case is identified, a single cabin crew member must be exclusively assigned to care for the symptomatic passenger. The affected passenger should be moved to the rear of the aircraft to minimise exposure to others.
Three rows in front of and adjacent to the suspected passenger must be kept vacant. The passenger must be assigned a dedicated seat, and a separate washroom must be reserved exclusively for their use.
The sick passenger must be provided with a mask and necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), while passengers seated in close proximity must be given triple-layer masks as a precautionary measure.
After landing, the aircraft must undergo complete disinfection. The airport operator is required to park the aircraft in a separately designated bay for handling such cases.
As per protocol, all asymptomatic passengers must be allowed to de-board first, while the suspected passenger and the designated cabin crew caretaker must de-board last. Both must be directly handed over to the health authorities upon disembarkation.
Airports are instructed to assist health authorities in conducting thermal screening of passengers arriving from affected regions. Airlines must also ensure that all crew members are adequately trained to handle such situations.
Additionally, airlines are required to equip all aircraft with Universal Precaution Kits and first aid kits, and maintain adequate stocks of triple-layer masks, PPE kits, biohazard disposal bags, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizers to ensure readiness for any suspected cases.
Airlines Operating From Democratic Republic Of The Congo
The SOP applies to multiple international carriers operating routes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Egyptair, Qatar Airways, Uganda Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Etihad Airways, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air.
Airlines Operating From Uganda
For Uganda, the list of affected carriers includes Uganda Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Arabia, Emirates, Flydubai, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Egyptair, Air Tanzania, Air India, Salam Air, Druk Air, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, Flynas, KLM and Etihad Airways.
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