Pune Airport Intensifies Ebola Screening After WHO Declares Global Health Emergency
Viman Nagar, 25th May 2026: Pune International Airport has intensified Ebola disease preparedness and surveillance measures following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus (BVD) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026.
The Airport Health Organisation (APHO), Pune, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), airline operators, immigration authorities, customs officials and state health authorities, has activated enhanced screening and monitoring protocols for all incoming international passengers.
According to officials, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has issued detailed advisories and operational guidelines for all ports of entry across the country, following which Pune Airport initiated precautionary preparedness measures.
As part of stakeholder coordination efforts, the Airport Health Officer (AHO), Pune, conducted a preparedness review meeting with the Head of Operations of AAI at Pune Airport. Authorities said additional coordination meetings with airline operators and other airport stakeholders will also be held to review operational preparedness and response mechanisms.
A multi-agency preparedness meeting under the chairmanship of the Airport Director, AAI Pune, is also scheduled to be convened with all concerned departments.
Officials said APHO personnel are undergoing regular training sessions on Ebola screening protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), donning and doffing procedures, Self Declaration Form (SDF) management and surveillance reporting protocols.
Further training sessions for immigration staff, customs personnel and airline operators are also planned to ensure coordinated response preparedness across all agencies operating at the airport.
Enhanced screening measures have already been operationalised for all incoming international passengers arriving from Bangkok and Dubai.
The screening process includes distribution of Self Declaration Forms onboard aircraft before landing, thermal screening of all arriving passengers and isolation of any suspected symptomatic passenger as per standard operating procedures.
Passengers are also being categorised based on risk assessment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Category II and III passengers, if identified, will be referred to designated facilities at Naidu Hospital in Pune.
Authorities said daily surveillance reports are being submitted to the State Surveillance Officer, Maharashtra.
As part of public awareness efforts, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials related to Ebola prevention and awareness have been prominently displayed at various locations within the airport premises.
Passengers have been advised to cooperate with screening procedures, provide accurate travel and health information and immediately report symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, bleeding or relevant travel/contact history.
Officials clarified that no confirmed Ebola case has been reported at Pune International Airport so far. They said all preventive and surveillance measures are being implemented proactively in accordance with Government of India and WHO guidelines.
The Airports Authority of India and Airport Health Organisation, Pune, stated that they remain committed to safeguarding public health while ensuring smooth airport operations through coordinated preparedness and rapid response measures.
