Pune Airport Activates Ebola Screening Protocols After WHO Declares Global Health Emergency
Pune Airport Activates Ebola Screening Protocols After WHO Declares Global Health Emergency
Pune, May 25, 2026: Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), authorities at Pune International Airport have stepped up health surveillance and passenger screening measures for all incoming international travellers.
The Airport Health Organisation (APHO), Pune, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), airline operators, immigration officials, customs authorities, and state health departments, has initiated extensive preparedness and response protocols in line with directives issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
As part of the enhanced screening system, all passengers arriving from Bangkok and Dubai are undergoing thermal screening and mandatory health checks. Self Declaration Forms (SDF) are being distributed onboard flights before landing, while suspected symptomatic passengers are being isolated and managed according to standard operating procedures.
Officials stated that coordination meetings have already been held between APHO and airport authorities to review preparedness and streamline operational response. Additional meetings involving airline operators and all airport stakeholders are also scheduled under the leadership of the Airport Director, AAI Pune.
Training sessions are being conducted for airport health staff on Ebola screening, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), self-declaration management, and emergency reporting protocols. Similar training programmes will also be extended to immigration officials, customs staff, and airline personnel.
Passengers identified under higher-risk categories will be referred to designated medical facilities, including Naidu Hospital, for further monitoring and treatment if required. Authorities are also sending daily surveillance reports to Maharashtra’s State Surveillance Officer.
Awareness materials regarding Ebola prevention and symptoms have been displayed prominently across airport premises. Passengers have been advised to cooperate with screening procedures and immediately report symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding, or relevant travel history.
Airport authorities clarified that no confirmed Ebola case has been detected at Pune Airport so far, and all preventive measures are currently precautionary in nature.
