Tuberculosis and air travel : guidelines for prevention and control

The expansion of international air travel and the growing mobility of populations have increased concerns regarding the potential transmission of tuberculosis (TB) and other airborne infectious diseases during commercial flights. Prepared as a revised second edition of earlier WHO guidance, this publication examines the epidemiological evidence related to in-flight transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and outlines strategies for prevention, risk reduction and public health response in the aviation context. The guidelines also place TB transmission within the broader framework of airborne public health threats associated with air travel, including influenza, SARS and other communicable respiratory diseases.

Developed in collaboration with international aviation and public health authorities, the document presents operational, technical and regulatory recommendations for passengers, airline personnel, physicians and health authorities. It describes factors influencing transmission risk, including duration of exposure, passenger proximity, cabin ventilation systems, cabin air quality and the use of HEPA filtration, while reviewing documented investigations involving infectious TB cases on board aircraft. The publication further addresses contact tracing procedures, communication between airlines and health agencies, management of potentially infectious travellers and responsibilities arising under the revised International Health Regulations (2005). Particular attention is given to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and to coordinated measures intended to reduce the international spread of TB while maintaining safe air travel.