Ahmedabad: Authorities at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have issued a directive to all airlines operating international flights, mandating the enforcement of public health measures in response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Mandatory Self-Declaration Forms
In a circular addressed to airlines and airport stakeholders, the chief airport officer emphasized that all carriers covered under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines must ensure the compulsory submission of Self-Declaration Forms (SDF) for every passenger on international routes arriving at Ahmedabad airport. This measure is aimed at curbing the potential spread of the Ebola virus.
In-Flight Announcements and Crowd Management
The circular further mandates airlines to complete all in-flight announcements related to health protocols and SDF filing before landing. This step is intended to avoid crowding at the arrival area and minimize the risk of Ebola disease transmission.
Deployment of Health Workers
Airport authorities have deployed frontline health workers round the clock in the arrival zone. All stakeholders have been directed to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures to safeguard public health.
Air Suvidha Portal and Manual Filing
The advisory noted that the Air Suvidha portal may be operationalized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the coming period. Until then, manual SDF filing procedures will remain in place.
Compliance for All Airlines
Airlines not covered under the DGCA guidelines have also been instructed to collect self-declaration forms from passengers before arrival. This applies especially to high-, medium-, and low-risk travelers, classified as Category-1, Category-2, and Category-3 passengers, respectively, as well as any individual suspected of posing a possible disease risk at the airport. The circular stressed that all concerned agencies must ensure strict compliance with these measures in the interest of public health.
