COVID-19 pandemic and health as well as hygiene guidelines in aviation

The most important challenge in aviation is to provide the health of passengers and flight crew. The spread of infectious agents, especially respiratory viruses, is always a major concern when human are gathered in a closed space and can lead to become disablility or death.

A comprehensive review on pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) and other respiratory-transmitted viruses in air travels was conducted using databases, speicialized books on aerospace medicine, travel medicine, national and international references for medical advice, medical regulations and guidelines.

The first step is to classify the intensity of flight hazard into low, medium, and high levels. Effective screening is necessary before boarding a plane to check for signs of infections in passengers and flight crew, and then measuring body temperature and regular measurements of it in flights over four hours. If the infection is confirmed, a report to health authorities, a 14- day quarantine for everyone until complete recovery, and the use of personal protective methods and observance of principles and hygiene recommendations in flight is necessary. Infection control measures and up-to-date principles of disinfection of aircraft equipment and devices are also important points in maintaining health in aviation.

With the expansion of international air travels, most viral respiratory infections, especially from asymptomatic carriers, occur during flight,  and consequently the plane will not be a clean and safe place. Despite regulations, recommendations, and numerous guidelines in aviation medicine, close cooperation and interaction between medical communities and the aviation industry can successfully eradicate COVID-19 transmission chain.