Passengers with certain medical conditions and passengers requiring special care during the flight are required to complete our MEDIF form. The MEDIF Form under information Sheet for passenger Requiring Special assistance is to be completely filled up by the passenger or his authorized representative, in case the passenger is unable to do so.

While the other part under information Sheet for passenger Requiring Medical clearance has to be filled up by the physician in charge of the invalid passenger and provides information about the clinical condition of the passenger. It is mandatory to complete the MEDIF including the treating physician’s certification and the undertaking/passenger declaration at the end of the MEDIF.

Please use the following link to download the MEDIF forms in one file:

Forms for Passengers Requiring Special Assistance

Medical Clearance Requirements for Travel

Certain medical conditions require prior clearance from Ethiopian Airlines before travel. Please carefully review the following guidelines:

1. Contagious Illnesses: Medical clearance is required for passengers suffering from any actively contagious and communicable disease.
   
   
2. Special Care Needs: Passengers who are unable to care for themselves without assistance beyond what is typically provided in-flight, due to age, physical, or mental condition.
   
   
3. Behavioral or Physical Conditions: Passengers whose medical conditions may result in unusual behavior or physical symptoms that could impact the comfort or safety of others, or whose condition could worsen during the flight.
   
   
4. Potential Flight Risk: Passengers whose condition poses a potential safety risk or could lead to flight delays or diversions, or those requiring special medical attention or equipment during the flight.
   
   
5. Use of Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC): Passengers who need a POC must have prior MEDIF approval from Ethiopian’s Medical Unit or an authorized medical facility abroad.
   
   
6. Medical Evaluation: Passengers falling under any of the above categories must be evaluated by a licensed physician familiar with their condition and receive travel clearance from Ethiopian’s Medical Unit or a designated physician.
   
   
7. Fitness on Departure: Even if medical clearance has been granted, Ethiopian Airlines reserves the right to refuse travel if a passenger’s condition has deteriorated by the time of departure.
   
   
8. Travel on Multiple Airlines: Passengers whose itinerary includes other airlines must also meet the medical requirements of those carriers. If not, Ethiopian Airlines reserves the right to deny transportation.
   
   
9. Form Completion: In cases requiring clearance from all involved airlines, the attending physician must complete the MEDIF, which must then be approved by Ethiopian’s Medical Unit or designated physician.
   
   
10. Validity of Medical Documents: Passengers must present medical documents issued within 7 days of submission. Approved MEDIFs are valid for 72 hours (three days) and must be dated using the Gregorian calendar (GC).
    
    
11. Departing from Addis Ababa: Passengers originating in Addis Ababa who require medical clearance must also submit a completed Medical Information Slip from the Ethiopian Airlines Medical Unit.
    
    
12. Submission Timeline: All completed MEDIF forms must be submitted to the Medical Unit in Addis Ababa or an approved physician at least 48 hours before departure.
    
    
13. Final Decision: The Ethiopian Airlines Medical Unit or its designated physician will make the final decision regarding a passenger’s fitness to fly or the need for a medical escort.
    
    
14. In-Person Clearance:

●       Passengers departing from Addis Ababa and where Medical clearance is required, the passenger shall physically attend physician at Ethiopian Airlines Medical Unit located at Ethiopian Airlines Head Quarters and secure medical clearance approved by Ethiopian designated Physician.

●       Passengers who are not originating from Addis Ababa whereby Ethiopian has an appointed a designated physician, passengers shall communicate to Ethiopian Airlines Local office and will be guided to physically attend with designated physician and secure medical clearance using completed Medical Information Form (MEDIF) which shall be then sent to Ethiopian Airlines Headquarters Medical Unit for final approval.

●       Passengers who are not originating from Addis Ababa and whereby Ethiopian has appointed a designated/approved physician, the passenger shall physically attend the physician and secure medical clearance approved by Ethiopian designated Physician.

15. Safety Concerns: Ethiopian Airlines reserves the right to refuse carriage if a passenger’s condition could compromise flight safety or operations.
    
    
16. Medications and Medical Records: Passengers must carry any medications they may need in their hand luggage, along with relevant medical documentation (e.g., hospital discharge summaries, treatment records, medical history, doctor’s certificates, and emergency treatment plans).
    
    
17. Medication Storage: Cabin crew cannot refrigerate medications. Passengers requiring temperature-sensitive medication should carry their own cool bag or vacuum flask.
18. Advance Notification: Inform our reservation team at the time of booking if the passenger is medically ill. The MEDIF form must be completed by the attending physician.
    

• Please use the following link to download the MEDIF forms in one file:
  
  Forms for Passengers Requiring Special Assistance

Ethiopian can provide any of the following equipments or service if requested:

1. Wheelchairs
   
   Ethiopian ensures that:
    
   • Sufficient wheelchairs are available for boarding/disembarking passengers.
   • The carriage of Wheelchair- C for cabin seat ( WCHC) case passengers is restricted on our international and domestic flights as follow in order to comply with the requirement of air safety:
     • Two individual WCHC case passengers will be carried in C-9 and five in Economy class.
     • Five WCHC case passengers in group will be carried in C-9 and eight in Economy class
   • Passengers traveling with their own wheelchair or assistive devices may carry the same in the passenger cabin, on request, subject to availability of space. Alternatively, the wheelchair or assistive devices should be loaded in the baggage hold where it is easily accessible for timely return to the passenger.
   • Passengers, who intend to check-in their own wheelchair, are given the option of using the airline/airport wheelchair. If the passenger wishes to use his own wheelchair at the airport he may be permitted to do so, up to the aircraft door. The wheelchair duly tagged, must then be sent for loading in the hold.
   • Narrow wheelchair-type devices without arm rests are available on some of or the aircrafts in the passenger cabin for assistance on-board.
      
2. Stretchers
   
   
   • A request for a stretcher must be made in prior to 48 hr and shall be strictly subject to space availability.
   • Stretcher cases are acceptable only after clearance from the carrier medical department or designated physicians and confirmation of the quantity of oxygen to be carried will be determined by the Medical Officer.
   • Where Interline travel on other airlines is involved, advance arrangements with the carrier is necessary regarding confirmation on special meals, medicines, oxygen, ambulance and other requirements.
   • Stretcher passenger is accepted in Economy class only.
   • There must be qualified personnel accompanying stretcher passenger.
      
3. Passenger Requiring Oxygen
   
   
   • Ethiopian will provide in flight oxygen service for passengers on all its flights with ant Extra charge
   • Passengers will be required to give 48 hour notice.
   • Passengers must present a written statement from his /her physician certifying the need for in-flight oxygen service ,the maximum usage per hour and the oxygen flow rate per minute
   • Passenger must be accompanied by an attendant who is knowledgeable as to the passenger’s needs and in the operation of the equipment .However, when authorized by Ethiopian medical services, a passenger requiring oxygen may travel alone.
      
4. Lifting services
5. Devices for supporting limbs
   
   Availability of equipment may be limited at certain airports. Please enquire your travel agent or the nearest Ethiopian ticket office.