NCAA Ebola alert issued to airlines and airport operators as Nigeria strengthens surveillance after outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on Monday, 25 May 2026, issued a public health advisory to airlines, air navigation service providers and aerodrome operators across Nigeria following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Also read: NCDC raises serious Ebola surveillance alert

The NCAA Ebola alert, signed by Director-General of Civil Aviation Chris Najomo, warned that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak, the aviation sector remains a critical frontline in preventing possible cross-border transmission of the disease.

According to the directive, the aviation regulator is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services and international public health organisations to intensify surveillance and preventive measures at airports and other entry points nationwide.

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

The NCAA Ebola alert further disclosed that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo virus disease, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based.

The authority 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 regulator directed airlines and aviation operators to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and strictly comply with public health safety procedures.

Pilots-in-command were instructed to immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease case onboard an aircraft.

Flight crew members were also ordered to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases, while operators were advised to reinforce crew training and awareness regarding infectious disease identification and onboard management procedures.

Cabin crew members were instructed to adhere strictly to airline Standard Operating Procedures and International Air Transport Association guidelines relating to infection prevention during flight operations.

The authority also stressed that passengers displaying symptoms of infectious illness should promptly report themselves to cabin crew members for proper assessment and response.

Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria recently stated that preventive health measures had already been activated at international airports across the country, including enhanced passenger screening and emergency isolation procedures for suspected cases.

Also read: NIS assures Nigerians over Ebola border threat

The NCAA warned airlines against transporting human remains into Nigeria without obtaining the necessary clearance from Port Health Services, stressing that prompt reporting, effective coordination and strict adherence to preventive measures remain essential in protecting passengers, crew members and the wider public.