Air travel and communicable diseases, comprehensive federal plan needed for U.S. aviation system's preparedness report to Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives.
(Web-Based Document)

"December 2015."

"Accessible version."

"GAO-16-127."

Available online.

Includes bibliographical references.

Past communicable diseases, such as the recent Ebola epidemic, have resulted in many deaths and highlight the potential economic cost of disruptions to air travel and the U.S. and global economies. GAO was asked to review the preparedness of the U.S. aviation system to respond to communicable diseases. This report examines (1) the extent to which selected U.S. airports and airlines have plans for responding to communicable disease threats from abroad and to which a national aviation-preparedness plan guides preparedness, and (2) the challenges that U.S. airports and airlines have faced when responding to threats and any actions taken to address them. GAO reviewed available documents and interviewed representatives from 14 U.S. international airports -- selected to reflect a range of activities and facilities -- and the 3 major U.S. airlines. GAO also reviewed applicable federal requirements and international obligations and guidance for U.S. airports and airlines, and interviewed officials and reviewed documents from federal agencies and aviation stakeholder groups. GAO recommends that DOT work with relevant stakeholders, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, to develop a national aviation-preparedness plan for communicable diseases. DOT agrees a plan is needed, but suggests public health agencies lead the effort. GAO continues to believe the recommendation is correctly directed to DOT, as discussed in this report.--Highlights page.