The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced strict new guidelines for airlines operating flights connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
This move comes after rising concerns over Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa.
The aim is to strengthen India’s preparedness and reduce the risk of infected passengers entering the country.
The aviation regulator has said the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) focuses on early detection, stronger screening, and better coordination with health authorities.
Mandatory Health Screening for Passengers
Under the new rules, airlines must carry out strict health checks for passengers travelling from affected regions.
All passengers flying from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda will now have to fill out mandatory health declaration forms before boarding.
Airlines are also required to:
Identify passengers showing symptoms
Isolate suspected cases immediately if needed
Coordinate with airport health authorities for quick response
If any passenger shows signs of illness, airlines must ensure proper precautions during travel.
Special Measures During Flights
To reduce the risk of infection spreading during travel, airlines have been instructed to take additional in-flight precautions.
Passengers suspected of infection may be given segregated seating arrangements during transit.
These steps are aimed at preventing close contact between passengers and limiting any possible transmission inside the aircraft.
Airlines Covered Under the New SOP
The guidelines apply to a wide range of international airlines operating routes from the affected countries.
For flights connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, airlines include:
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Kenya Airways
Air France
Turkish Airlines
Air India
IndiGo
Akasa Air
And several others
For Uganda-related routes, the SOP covers airlines such as:
Uganda Airlines
Flydubai
Air Arabia
KLM
Salam Air
Etihad Airways
IndiGo
Air India
And others operating international connections
Why These Rules Have Been Introduced
The DGCA has introduced these measures as a precaution against the possible spread of Ebola through international travel.
Health and aviation authorities are working together to improve surveillance at airports and strengthen screening at entry points.
The goal is to ensure early identification of potential cases and prevent any infectious disease from entering India through international passengers.
