Ebola alert: SVPI airport mandates health screening, self-declaration forms for int’l flyers

Ahmedabad: Authorities at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have directed all airlines operating international flights to enforce mandatory public health measures, including the compulsory completion of self-declaration forms (SDFs), in view of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) linked to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

In a circular issued to all airlines and airport stakeholders, the chief airport officer stated that all carriers covered under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines must ensure the mandatory submission of SDF forms for all passengers on all international routes arriving at Ahmedabad airport.

The circular also mandates airlines to complete all in-flight announcements related to health measures and SDF filing before arrival “to avoid crowding and minimise the risk of Ebola disease transmission.”

Airport authorities said frontline health workers have been deployed round the clock in the arrival area and directed all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures.

The advisory further stated that the Air Suvidha portal may be operationalized by the ministry of civil aviation in the coming period. Till then, manual SDF filing procedures will continue.

Airlines not covered under the DGCA guidelines have also been asked to collect self declaration forms from passengers before arrival, especially from high-, medium- and low-risk travellers (classified as Category-1, Category-2 and Category-3 passengers), as well as anyone suspected to pose a possible disease risk at the airport. The circular stressed that all concerned agencies must ensure strict compliance with the measures in the interest of public health.