DGCA Issues Strict Ebola Screening SOP for Airlines Operating From Congo and Uganda

New Delhi, May 2026: Amid rising concerns over reported Ebola cases in parts of Africa, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for airlines operating flights connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The new guidelines mandate enhanced health screening, passenger monitoring, and precautionary measures for travellers arriving from affected regions.

The DGCA stated that the SOP has been introduced to strengthen India’s preparedness against potential cross-border health threats and ensure early detection of suspected Ebola cases among international passengers. Airlines have been instructed to strictly follow health monitoring protocols and implement mandatory health declaration procedures before boarding.

Under the revised guidelines, all passengers travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda must complete health declaration forms prior to departure. The measure is intended to help authorities identify high-risk individuals at an early stage and facilitate prompt medical intervention whenever necessary.

The SOP further directs airlines to ensure proper screening of passengers, immediate reporting of suspected Ebola cases, and close coordination with airport health authorities. Carriers have also been asked to arrange segregated seating for passengers displaying symptoms or suspected of infection during transit in order to minimise the possibility of transmission onboard aircraft.

According to the DGCA, airlines must remain vigilant during flights and ensure cabin crew are adequately trained to identify symptoms associated with Ebola. Suspected passengers must be isolated immediately and airport medical teams informed before landing so that appropriate health protocols can be activated upon arrival.

The guidelines cover a wide range of international airlines 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.

For Uganda, the SOP applies to carriers such as 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.

The move comes as health and aviation authorities across the world continue to closely monitor Ebola outbreaks in certain African regions. Indian authorities are working in coordination with airport health organisations and airlines to strengthen surveillance at international entry points and prevent the import of infectious diseases into the country.

Officials said the enhanced monitoring measures are precautionary in nature and aimed at ensuring passenger safety while maintaining preparedness against any possible public health emergency. The DGCA has urged airlines to ensure full compliance with the SOP and maintain constant communication with health authorities for timely response and containment measures.

Team Maverick.