ebola virus Image Credit source: Getty Images
Ebola virus is continuously spreading from Africa to most countries around the world. The whole world is on alert regarding this dangerous virus. Vigilance is being taken on this in India also. Now ‘Air Suvidha Portal’ has been started for passengers coming from or transiting through Ebola affected countries.
India is trying to strengthen its airport health surveillance system by launching ‘Air Suvidha 2.0’ (AIR SUVIDHA 2.0) for international passengers. It is a completely digital and contactless platform providing health related information to passengers. Passengers can now easily submit the required ‘Self-Declaration Form’ (SDF) online even before deboarding the plane. Instead of the earlier paper process, information can now be given online.
Aviation Ministry launches with DIAL
This upgraded portal has been launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). It was launched when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 following the emergence of Ebola or Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The Air Suvidha Portal is now active for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. Travelers can conveniently submit the mandatory Self-Declaration Form (SDF) online before deboarding, replacing the earlier paper-based process. The requirement is pic.twitter.com/ARA7YSrb8Q
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2026
However, when it comes to Ebola, health experts have long emphasized that early identification and surveillance of international travelers plays a key role in preventing infectious diseases from entering and spreading within the country. Because due to global travel, diseases spread rapidly from one country to another. In such a situation, digital surveillance systems like ‘Air Suvidha’ have become an essential part of health.
Form has to be filled 24 hours before starting the journey
It is believed that this new platform can help the administration in identifying those passengers who may be at risk, and it will also make it possible for the passengers coming to India to travel without any hassle. According to government officials, this upgraded portal has been launched after Ebola cases were reported in Congo and Uganda.
WHO had declared ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ after the arrival of this virus on May 17 last month. The new case is Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), which is a type of Ebola virus disease that causes severe disease and rapid spread in affected areas.
Details of travel for 21 days will have to be given in this form. Also, if there are any symptoms, they also have to be informed. The form can be filled up to 24 hours before arrival in India. Passengers are advised to submit it before commencing the journey, preferably at the time of web check-in. After filling the form, passengers simply need to show the downloaded ‘Self-Declaration Form’ at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration Counter.
