India Restores Air Suvidha for Ebola-Affected Travellers

India reactivated the Air Suvidha portal as AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 on 25 June 2026 for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. The portal requires an online Self-Declaration Form before deboarding and records a 21-day travel and exposure history for public health screening at entry points.

Air Suvidha and Entry Health Screening

Air Suvidha is a contactless digital platform used for health monitoring and passenger data collection at Indian airports. It was first introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic for contact tracing and travel-related health declarations.

Ebola and Public Health Emergency of International Concern

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. A Public Health Emergency of International Concern, or PHEIC, is a formal WHO classification under the International Health Regulations for events that require coordinated international response.

Institutional Framework and Data Sharing

The Air Suvidha system is administered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The portal shares data with the Airport Health Officer, Bureau of Immigration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, and State Surveillance Officers for traveller identification and referral.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Ebola virus disease belongs to the family Filoviridae.
• The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded multiple Ebola outbreaks since 1976.
• The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme functions under India’s public health surveillance system.
• The Bureau of Immigration works under the Ministry of Home Affairs in India.

India’s Ebola Preparedness Support

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda announced on 17 June 2026 that India pledged USD 10 million for Ebola preparedness, response, and recovery. India has also delivered 45 tonnes of medical supplies to Africa and committed further assistance in medical, laboratory, diagnostic, medicine, and nutritional supplies.