Washington: Major US and international airline groups have urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reconsider new Ebola-related travel declaration rules, warning that the November 3 deadline leaves insufficient time to implement the requirements.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for America submitted separate letters challenging the plan, which requires passengers and crew members on international flights to the United States to declare that no visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) occurred during the previous 21 days.
IATA, representing more than 370 airlines across over 130 countries, described the implementation timetable as unreasonable. The organization warned that airlines would need to modify check-in systems, introduce digital or paper declarations, update airport procedures and train staff within a limited period.
Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, called the requirement unworkable. The group urged the CDC to consider a more proportionate response and requested exemptions for crew members, US military personnel and jumpseat travellers.
The association noted that US Customs and Border Protection screened approximately 130 million air passengers in 2025, while fewer than 25,000 had connections to the DRC.
IATA also questioned why the declaration requirement applies to air travel but excludes maritime and surface transportation. The CDC had not immediately responded to requests for comment, according to Reuters.
The measures follow a deadly outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, a strain of Ebola, in the DRC. Existing US restrictions also affect certain travellers who have recently visited Uganda or South Sudan.
The CDC reported no confirmed Ebola cases in the United States linked to the outbreak as of October 28, 2026. The new declaration requirement is scheduled to take effect on November 3.
MOST READ | Fuel costs force world cruise to suspend voyage in Cambodia
