The World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is reshaping operational requirements for aircraft operators, even as international air services remain open.
The virus, transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids rather than via airborne or casual contact, is linked to a major regional flare-up with more than 900 suspected cases and about 220 suspected deaths. While the overall risk of global transmission through air transport is assessed as low, airlines are being asked to tighten health protocols on routes to and from affected countries.
Joint guidance stresses that borders should not be closed and that broad travel restrictions are not warranted. Systematic entry screening in non-affected states is not recommended, but targeted exit screening at international airports in the outbreak zone is encouraged for symptomatic travelers. Confirmed cases and identified contacts are not permitted to travel, except under controlled medical evacuation.
National aviation authorities are translating this framework into detailed procedures. India’s DGCA, for example, has introduced an Ebola standard operating procedure requiring in-flight announcements on symptoms, mandatory health self-declaration forms, on-board isolation protocols, dedicated parking for aircraft with suspected cases, and strict management of biohazard waste, supported by stocks of masks, gloves, personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies.