Airline groups urge US CDC to reconsider Ebola declaration requirements
XLI•Two airline groups urged the CDC to reconsider requirements taking effect November 3 for US-bound travelers to attest they had not been in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the prior 21 days. They warned the process could cost millions and affect more than 10 million monthly travelers to the United States.
1. Groups challenge new rules
The International Air Transport Association and Airlines for America separately urged the CDC to reconsider requirements for all US-bound airline passengers and crew to file digital or paper attestations. The rules, aimed at preventing entry by people exposed to Ebola, take effect November 3.
2. Cost and implementation concerns
IATA said airlines could not reasonably modify procedures to collect attestations from every passenger and crew member in less than two weeks. Airlines for America said changes to check-in systems, digital signatures, station procedures and training could not readily be completed in the allotted time, and called the plan unworkable.
3. Scope of screening
Airlines for America said US Customs and Border Protection screened about 130 million air passengers in 2025, fewer than 25,000 of whom had a connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group urged exemptions for crew members, the US military and jumpseat travelers; IATA questioned why the mandate did not cover maritime and surface travel.
