NCAA Issues Ebola Alert to Airlines, Airport Operators Over Outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a public health advisory to airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators following confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

In a circular signed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, the regulator said that while Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola case linked to the outbreak, the aviation sector remains a critical frontline in preventing cross-border transmission of the disease.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority wishes to notify all aviation stakeholders of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda,” the circular stated.

The NCAA disclosed that it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services, and international public health organisations to intensify surveillance and preventive measures at airports and other entry points.

According to the advisory, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, with laboratory investigations confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.

“The Authority is actively monitoring developments in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services, and relevant international public health organizations,” the NCAA stated, adding that no licensed vaccine is currently approved specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease, and treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based.

The regulator listed symptoms associated with the disease to include sudden fever, severe weakness, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had earlier assured travellers that stringent preventive measures had been activated across the nation’s international airports, with health workers placed on red alert and passengers being screened for Ebola-related symptoms. Any suspected case, the agency said, would immediately be isolated for further examination in line with national and international health safety protocols.

Efforts to independently verify the presence of health screening at arrival terminals were, however, unsuccessful. While health workers are typically stationed at international arrival points during health emergencies to screen passengers before immigration and customs checks, multiple calls placed to FAAN spokesperson, Henry Agbebire, to confirm the deployment were not answered.

In its advisory, the NCAA directed airlines and aviation operators to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and ensure strict compliance with public health procedures. “Pilots-in-Command shall immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease case onboard an aircraft,” the circular ordered, adding that flight crew must complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases.

The regulator further directed operators to reinforce crew training and awareness on the identification and management of communicable diseases onboard aircraft. Cabin crew were instructed to strictly comply with airline Standard Operating Procedures and International Air Transport Association guidelines on infection prevention and management of suspected infectious diseases during flight operations.

Passengers showing symptoms suggestive of infectious illnesses were urged to promptly report themselves to cabin crew for proper assessment and response.

The NCAA also warned airlines against transporting human remains into Nigeria without obtaining the necessary clearance from Port Health Services.

“Prompt reporting, effective coordination, and strict adherence to preventive measures remain critical in protecting passengers, crew members, and the general public from potential health threats,” Najomo stated.