DGCA Issues Guidance to Airlines Amid Ebola Outbreak

Ebola Outbreak: DGCA Issues Standard Operating Procedure for Airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for public health preparedness and response to Ebola disease in the wake of the outbreak in certain parts of Africa. The SOP requires airlines to implement various measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Airlines with Connectivity to Uganda and Congo Required to Implement Enhanced Protocols

Airlines having direct or indirect connectivity with Uganda and Congo are required to make mandatory filing and collection of Self Declaration Forms prior to de-boarding of passengers. The list of 13 carriers carrying passengers from Congo includes Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Emirates, Air France, Etihad Airways, and Egyptair. The list of 17 airlines carrying passengers from Uganda referred to by the regulator includes Air India, IndiGo, and KLM.

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In-Flight Announcements and Self Declaration Forms

The airlines are also required to make an in-flight announcement that, in view of the current threat of Ebola disease, any traveller who has fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, bleeding, should report immediately to the crew and at the immigration/medical unit on arrival. The carriers should also mention that all travellers (passengers and crew), irrespective of nationality, will be required to fill a Self Declaration Form and hand it over at the immigration/designated counter, as per the DGCA advisory dated May 22.

Protocols for Suspected Cases

In-flight as well as arrival protocols for suspected cases have also been specified by the DGCA. In such instances, the aircraft should be parked in a separate, designated bay. For suspected cases onboard an aircraft, the passenger should be relocated to the rear end of the aircraft and if possible, three rows in front and side rows of the passenger concerned should be kept vacant.

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Stocking of Essential Supplies

Airlines have also been told to ensure there is an adequate reserve stock of triple-layer masks, disposable hand gloves, PPE kits, hand sanitisers, and bio-hazard disposal bags. These supplies are to be utilised for any passenger reporting symptoms and for passengers likely to have had contact.

No Cases Reported in India

On Monday, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said no case of Ebola disease has been reported in the country so far, as he reviewed the preparedness and surveillance measures to prevent any possible outbreak in India.

Airlines Required to Implement Enhanced Protocols

Note: The above table highlights the airlines required to implement enhanced protocols due to their connectivity to Uganda and Congo.