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In the airline industry, health-related issues concerning passengers or crew are crucial in most activities: aircraft operations, passenger transport, cargo, etc. They cover matters as diverse as duty time limitation, transmission of communicable diseases, and disinsection.

IATA's medical advisory role

IATA has set up a structure to contribute to an efficient and cost effective approach to handling medical issues in the airline industry. 

In addition to the expertise of IATA's Medical Advisor, IATA has formed a Medical Advisory Group bringing together airline medical experts from around the globe. A major part of their role is to provide advice to the industry and other stakeholders on a wide range of medical issues, such as those covered in the IATA Medical Manual.

Guidelines to help you cope with health and safety issues

A series of guidelines have been developed by IATA's Medical Advisory Group, addressing general medical issues and (see right column) and aviation and communicable diseases. They have been reviewed and welcomed by WHO and are meant to help airlines address emergency public health issues, particularly in the case of suspected communicable diseases.

Passenger Contract Tracing

IATA has developed a position statement on the controversial issue of Passenger Contact Tracing to recommend a specific approach to countries contemplating contact tracing. IATA's position on contact tracing (pdf)

Allergen-sensitive passenger

This document details recommendations for allergen-sensitive passengers to help them minimize the risk of an allergic reaction on board an aircraft. Recommendations for allergen-sensitive passengers (pdf).

For further questions, please contact IATA's medical advisor.