Eurami Blog

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan have been coping with an Ebola outbreak that originated in the DRC. This notification is to prepare all stakeholders who may need to organize medical transportation of the actual and expected affect on these activities.

Several countries have now placed strict travel restrictions on travelers returning from the affected countries. Some have indicated they will not accept medical evacuations of Ebola patients.
As of today, the U.S. and Canada will restrict and/or re-route returning flights from east Africa to specific airports.

Both countries have placed suspensions on non-citizen visa holders from the affected countries attempting to return to North America. They are imposing airport screening for any others arriving on flights from the region and are mandating a 21 day self- quarantine for passengers without symptoms. The U.S. will re-reroute all flights from the region to one of 4 airports: Washington Dulles, New York JFK, Atlanta or Dallas. Evacuations by air ambulance of any confirmed or suspected Ebola patients will be severely restricted and require the highest level isolation equipment available – either a specially equipped isolation unit of an aircraft or single place isolation pod. Maximal PPE will be required for crew. In all likelihood, such transports will involve multiple aviation and and governmental agencies and arrangements for admission at highly specialized infectious disease hospitals. Crew may be subject to 21 days of quarantine upon return. Other travelers to the affected countries will also be affected. There are already border closures between the affected countries and it is likely travelers whose itineraries include them will not be able to continue to other travel destinations within Africa. Those needing medical evacuation for any condition and who have any symptoms in common with Ebola (fever, malaise, diarrhea, rash, etc) may be delayed until Ebola testing is negative – this could include patients with malaria, sepsis or dengue. Based on past outbreaks, evacuation may be delayed regardless of severity of the patient and need for care in more advanced facilities. Please expect all evacuation and medical repatriation flights to be subject to increased scrutiny and delays.

Please also note that nations may impose restrictions on refueling stops, which will limit aircraft capacity for these flights to long-range planes. If so, there will be decreased availability of qualified aircraft overall and potentially at increased cost, even for non- Ebola flights. The above information is based on currently announced travel restrictions as well as established practices during previous highly infectious disease outbreaks. We will keep you updated as the situation changes.

Achieving the standards for
• Long Haul Fixed Wing Air Ambulance 🌍
• Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance 🌎

along with medical endorsements in
• Critical Care Transports 🏥
• Pediatric Critical Care Transports 👶
• Neonatal Critical Care Transports 🍼
• High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Transports 🦠
• Mental Health Transports 🧠

is a remarkable accomplishment that highlights a strong commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in patient care. ✅

This milestone reflects the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of a highly capable and reliable operator in the region. 🤝

Well done to the entire SARPA Colombia team for this outstanding achievement and for continuing to set high standards in air medical transport. 🚁👏

Achieving the standards for
• Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance 🌏
• Long Haul Fixed Wing Air Ambulance 🌍

along with medical endorsement in
• Critical Care Transports 🏥

is a significant milestone that reflects an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in patient care. ✅

This accomplishment is not just about meeting rigorous international standards—it’s a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork behind a truly reliable operator in the APAC region. 🤝

Well done to the entire team for this outstanding achievement and continued contribution to raising the bar in air medical transport. 🚁👏

Recently, there have been significant developments affecting air ambulance and medical escort providers’ ability to deliver services to travellers in Mexico requiring medical transportation. A number of providers—primarily North America–based operators without a permanent presence in Mexico—have encountered unexpected and onerous restrictions imposed by local airport authorities in several tourist destinations, including Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and Toluca, among others.

These measures have included detention of crew and equipment, as well as the imposition of substantial charges related to the “importation” of controlled medical substances and foreign medical equipment. In addition, providers have been subject to sudden, protracted approval processes, including detailed audits of equipment and medications, with considerable uncertainty regarding both timelines and outcomes.

These impediments appear to be applied inconsistently and do not appear to stem from a clearly articulated national regulatory framework issued by the Mexican civil aviation authority. At present, the legal and regulatory basis for these practices remains unclear, and questions have been raised as to whether they align with international civil aviation standards intended to facilitate humanitarian medical missions.

Impact on Aero-Medical Evacuations from Mexico
As a result, previously routine medical evacuations and repatriations have become subject to unpredictable delays and significantly increased costs. Some providers have already begun to avoid operating in these destinations, and there is concern that this may lead to a reduction in available service capacity and higher charges from the limited number of operators able to continue servicing these routes. Travellers and insurers from all countries are therefore likely to be affected.

EURAMI Task Force Mexico (ORATFM)
In response, the EURAMI Board has established a dedicated task force led by Heather Petrie of Airmedic (Canada) and Mike Vallee of Medway Air Ambulance (USA). The task force will collect operational experiences from providers and develop strategies to address these challenges both operationally and, where necessary, through political and regulatory engagement.

We are pleased to congratulate AMREF Flying Doctors on their successful EURAMI re-accreditation in the following categories:

• Fixed Wing Air Ambulance (FW)
• Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME)

✅ Standards and Endorsements Achieved

✈️ Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance
✈️ Long Haul Fixed Wing Air Ambulance

• Critical Care Transport
• Paediatric Critical Care Transport
• High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCIDs) Transports

🛫 Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME)

• Standard Care
• Advanced Care
• Paediatric Transports
• Stretcher Transports

With 19 years of continuous EURAMI accreditation and 70 years of aeromedical experience, AMREF Flying Doctors continues to set benchmarks in quality, safety, and specialised patient care across Africa and beyond.

Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding accomplishment! 👏👏👏

We would like to share a brief industry update that may be relevant for aeromedical operations and aviation service providers.

Current Market Developments
Several operators and fuel suppliers have recently reported extraordinary and very short-term increases in kerosene prices at multiple international airports. In some instances, these adjustments have taken effect immediately, including within existing fuel price agreements, which is highly unusual in the aviation sector.

Geopolitical Background
The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East is contributing to this development. Reported factors include disruptions to maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, reductions in oil production in several Gulf states and Iraq, and increasing tensions across global energy markets.
These developments have resulted in rapid increases in crude oil prices and significant volatility in aviation fuel markets.

Reported Market Developments
Recent market reports indicate that kerosene prices have increased dramatically in several regions worldwide. In some Asian benchmark markets, price increases of up to approximately 140% have been reported within a short period. At the same time, airlines and operators in Europe report fuel cost increases of roughly 60–70% since the beginning of the current crisis.

Potential Impact on Airline Ticket Prices
Several operators have already reported noticeable short-term increases in commercial airline ticket prices on certain international routes. This may also affect commercial medical escort operations, as the cost of last-minute airline tickets for patient transports on scheduled flights may rise in parallel with increasing fuel prices.

Examples of Recently Reported Fuel Price Increases
Examples of recently reported price adjustments at individual airports include:
Zurich – approx. +94%
Sharjah – approx. +73%
Düsseldorf – approx. +69%
Dublin – approx. +66%
Dubai – approx. +65%
Glasgow – approx. +61%
Tokyo – approx. +70%
Singapore – approx. +100%
Los Angeles – approx. +55%
New York – approx. +50%

Operational Implications
These developments are expected to have immediate operational and financial implications for aviation operators worldwide, including the aeromedical and air ambulance sector. As fuel typically represents one of the largest operating cost components in aviation, the current market volatility may affect mission planning, operational costs, and pricing structures across the industry.

Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical and energy market situation, developments may change quickly. EURAMI is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to keep the community informed should further relevant updates arise.

We share this information with the EURAMI community and industry as part of general situational awareness for aeromedical aviation operations.
(information courtesy of EURAMI VP Philipp Schneider)

Due to the current military developments in the Middle East, we are presently receiving numerous inquiries regarding the feasibility of flights to the region as well as possible routings towards Asia and Africa. We would like to provide you with an objective assessment of the current situation and our operational evaluation.

1. Official Security Situation (EASA)
With Conflict Zone Information Bulletin 2026-03-R1 dated 28 February 2026 (valid until 06 March 2026), EASA has issued an explicit recommendation not to use the entire airspace at all altitudes in the following FIRs (Flight Information Regions):

• Bahrain (OBBB)
• Iran (OIIX)
• Iraq (ORBB)
• Israel (LLLL)
• Jordan (OJAC)
• Kuwait (OKAC)
• Lebanon (OLBB)
• Oman (OOMM)
• Qatar (OTDF)
• United Arab Emirates (OMAE)
• Saudi Arabia (OEJD – Jeddah FIR)

This assessment is made against the backdrop of ongoing military operations, possible retaliatory strikes, and the use of air defense systems, ballistic missiles, and military aircraft capable of operating at all altitude levels.
EASA explicitly refers to a high risk to civil aviation throughout this entire airspace.
In addition, according to current communications from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates, even specifically designated corridors are presently classified as extremely unsafe.
The existing negative recommendations for Syria and Yemen remain unchanged and in force.

2. Impact on Routings Toward Asia
The geographical situation currently results in severe restrictions for eastbound routings:

• Northern routings via Russia are not available to EU operators due to the well-known political and regulatory situation.
• Central routings via Iran, Iraq, or neighboring Gulf states are not operational in accordance with the current EASA recommendation.
• Southern routings via the Arabian Peninsula are also significantly restricted, as several affected FIRs fall within the high-risk area.

As a result, even routes planned significantly further south are currently assessed as security-critical.
In practical terms, this means:
Long-haul flights toward South or Southeast Asia are currently only possible with substantial detours or—depending on the destination—may be temporarily infeasible.

3. Situation for Africa Routings
Significant restrictions also apply to routings to East or Central Africa. In addition to the overall situation in the Middle East, existing no-fly or high-risk assessments remain in place for, among others:

• Sudan
• Yemen
• Parts of the Horn of Africa

This creates operational challenges with regard to:

• Availability of safe alternates
• Adequate fuel planning
• ATC and navigation reliability
• Political stability of diversion destinations

4. Repatriation and Special Flights (UAE)
   Within the framework of a recent “Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment,” the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has assessed military activities in the region in connection with repatriation flights with an initial risk classification of “Extreme.” Even after the implementation of mitigation measures, a high residual risk remains.

   Key risk factors include, among others:
   Military activities and air defense systems

• Sudden airspace closures
• Limited alternates
• ATC/navigation disruptions (including GPS jamming/spoofing)
• Rapid escalation of the situation
• Repatriation or special flights can therefore only be assessed on the basis of an individual, day-specific risk analysis. A general approval or blanket statement regarding feasibility is currently not possible.

5. Operational Principle
   The safety of patients, medical personnel, and flight crews remains the highest priority. Under the current circumstances, no one should be exposed to unnecessary risk. Aeromedical providers are bound by:

• EASA/ FAA recommendations
• Assessments of national authorities
• Military situation reports
• NOTAMs and FIR availability

6. Economic Framework Conditions
   We are also observing a significant increase in crude oil prices as a result of the geopolitical developments. Should this trend intensify further this may impact operational cost calculations and pricing.

   7. Next Steps
   At present, we do not anticipate a short-term stabilization of the situation. However, isolated operational windows for individual repatriation flights may arise. If specific patient transports are being considered, full details of the planned mission are essential. All assessments of operational feasibility need to include:

• Safe route planning
• Fuel and alternates strategy
• Security assessment of the destination
• Status of required approvals

 (Information: Courtesy of VP Philipp Schneider). 

We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed accordingly.

Warm regards

The EURAMI Office and Management

On behalf of the EURAMI Board

UN supply chain experts took center stage at the EURAMI Conference 2025. Discover how their insights on aviation safety and operational standards are shaping the future of global aeromedical transport.

A Sector Without a Unified Framework?

Ovais Ahmed from the Air Transport Service in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) delivered a keynote speech on “Aviation Safety in Aeromedical Transport”. His message was clear and urgent: there is a critical need to strengthen aviation safety safeguards in a sector that still lacks a unified global regulatory framework.

Drawing on extensive UN operational experience, Mr. Ahmed outlined the rising trend of commercial aeromedical accidents. These incidents not only pose direct operational risks but also lead to reputational damage and an erosion of public trust.

He emphasized the importance of structured risk management approaches, ranging from vendor selection and performance monitoring to safety culture. Ahmed called for deeper international collaboration among EURAMI, ICAO, and other global bodies to harmonize data collection and aviation-related mechanisms.

Data as the Key to Quality

The focus was not only on safety but also on quality management. Betim Bekteshi from the Aviation Safety Section (DOS) presented the “UN Approach on KPIs and Trends in Aeromedical Quality Management”.

He explained the UN’s KPI framework, which integrates policy, contractual requirements, and operational quality through the analysis of aviation, safety, medical, and management indicators. The results speak for themselves: this data-driven approach has led to improvements across UN missions, including reductions in aborted flights and enhanced reporting compliance.

For the EURAMI community, this provided crucial momentum. Participants actively explored how these KPI methodologies could support EURAMI’s efforts to strengthen benchmarking and quality assurance across the aeromedical community.

United for Trust

The UN’s extensive engagement in Venice reflects its recognized leadership in advancing aviation safety and operational risk management. It underscores a commitment to fostering global partnerships that enhance safety and public trust in aeromedical transport.

For us at EURAMI, this confirms our course: Excellence is not an accident, but the result of standards, data, and global cooperation.

As 2025 draws to a close, we extend our warmest Season’s Greetings to each of you. This has been a year of reflection, progress, and purposeful transformation—driven by the unwavering support of our members and the strength of our exceptional aeromedical community.

EURAMI continues to evolve, and 2025 marked a year of strategic focus aimed at future-proofing our organization. In response to recent challenges, we initiated a comprehensive review of our Board processes, statutes, and governance framework. Several dedicated workstreams were established, focusing on key strategic areas including legal, audit, aviation, and finance. The audit workstream, in particular, has developed a comprehensive manual to streamline audit processes—ensuring greater alignment, consistency, and a more member-friendly experience. Notably, we have also established a permanent Aviation Committee to further reinforce our commitment to safety and quality in aeromedical operations.

We would like to thank all leaders and members of the workstreams for their invaluable contributions and dedicated time—your expertise and commitment have been instrumental in driving these important developments forward.

This strategic effort also led to the development of formal Terms & Conditions for providers, enhanced confidentiality safeguards, and a clearer foundation for accountability.

These initiatives are more than administrative milestones—they reflect our dedication to transparency, integrity, and the highest standards in all that we do.

As we look to 2026, we remain inspired by your passion, professionalism, and continued collaboration. Together, we will shape a stronger, more resilient future for EURAMI and the field of aeromedical care.

Wishing you, your teams, and your families a peaceful holiday season and a successful start to the New Year.

Warm regards,
Your EURAMI Team

EURAMI is delighted to welcome CanAssistance as a new corporate member. This is a further step towards the increased exchange between payors and providers in the medical assistance world that EURAMI is fostering—an exchange crucial for mutual understanding and for ensuring the best possible care for patients requiring aeromedical transport.

Founded in 1989, CanAssistance is a leading Canadian provider of travel and medical assistance services, trusted by insurers, financial institutions, and government organisations. With over three decades of expertise, the company delivers comprehensive solutions that combine healthcare, cost containment, and personalised support for travellers worldwide.

Its 24/7 multilingual assistance centre—staffed by experienced professionals and licensed medical teams—ensures rapid response and continuous care, from emergency interventions to medical evacuations and repatriations. CanAssistance operates a certified global network of over 35,000 providers, offering both local precision and international reach.

Guided by its promise, “We take care of you, wherever you are,” the organisation focuses on proactive case management, early intervention strategies, and seamless claims handling. With a steadfast commitment to empathy, transparency, and quality, CanAssistance sets a high standard for reliable medical assistance, helping clients navigate complex situations with confidence and peace of mind.

AOM Air Ambulance (Air Océan Maroc) is proud to announce its successful EURAMI Re-Accreditation, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering world-class aeromedical care and global patient transport. This renewed accreditation highlights AOM’s continuous dedication to quality, safety, and operational excellence within the international air ambulance community.

🏅 Accreditation Achieved

• 🔄 Re-Accreditation

📘 Standards Awarded

• 🌍 Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance
• 🛫 Long Haul Fixed Wing Air Ambulance

🩺 Medical Endorsements

• 🧠 Critical Care Transports
• 🦠 HCID (High Consequence Infectious Disease) Transports
• 💙 Mental Health Transports

These recognitions confirm AOM’s capability to manage complex and sensitive medical missions with their large fleet designed to match every medical and operational need, ensuring the right aircraft for every range, patient profile, and urgency—from ICU-level care to infectious disease evacuations—across both regional and intercontinental operations.

From flight crews and medical staff to coordination specialists, the team demonstrates unmatched commitment, compassion, and readiness, ensuring that every patient receives safe, efficient, and dignified care.

We are proud to congratulate DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gGmbH on their successful Re-Accreditation with EURAMI! ✅

They have once again demonstrated excellence by achieving accreditation in:

✈️ Long-Haul and Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance

With medical endorsements in:

🩺 Critical Care Transports
👶 Paediatric Critical Care Transports

This achievement reflects DRF’s continued commitment to the highest standards in air medical transport and patient care. 🌍💪

✅ Standards Achieved:

• Long-Haul and Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance
• Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME)

✅ Medical Endorsements:

• Critical Care Transports
• Paediatric Critical Care Transports
• Neonatal Critical Care Transports
• Mental Health Transports
• Standard Care (CAME)

This recognition highlights the professionalism, dedication, and excellence of the AirMed team. Their continued commitment makes AirMed a leader in world-class aeromedical transport.

👏 Well done to the entire team for setting the bar so high!

EMA Global Singapore has once again achieved EURAMI (European Aeromedical Institute) Accreditation, a major milestone in air ambulance services. This certification recognizes their adherence to the highest international standards in both Fixed Wing and Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME) services.

Accredited Standards Include:

• Fixed Wing 6.0: 🌍 Regional & ✈️ Long Haul Air Ambulance
• Medical Endorsements: 🚑 Critical Care & 👶 Paediatric Critical Care Transports
• CAME 2.0: 🩺 Standard & ⚕️ Advanced Care

This achievement cements EMA’s reputation as a key player in the Asian air ambulance market. Congratulations to the entire team for their dedication and commitment to excellence—keep up the great work! 🎉👏

We are thrilled to announce that The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Australia has recently achieved a major milestone, securing Primary EURAMI Accreditation. This prestigious achievement highlights the organization’s commitment to excellence in providing emergency medical care to those in remote and rural regions across Australia. The audit comprised the bases in Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Port Augusta, further emphasizing the widespread scope and impact of RFDS’s life-saving services.

RFDS has been accredited for Regional Fixed Wing Air Ambulance, with the following endorsements:

• Critical Care Transports
• Mental Health Transports
• Paediatric Critical Care Transports
• Neonatal Critical Care Transports

These endorsements highlight RFDS’s versatility and expertise in handling a wide range of medical emergencies that may require transport over vast, often challenging terrains.

RFDS’s Primary EURAMI Accreditation is a reflection of the organization’s consistent commitment to maintaining the highest standards in air medical services.
The team at RFDS has shown exceptional dedication to ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the EURAMI standards.
RFDS does not just provide emergency transport but ensures that patients receive personalized, compassionate care throughout the process.
This accreditation would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the entire RFDS team. Achieving such a milestone is a result of years of training, commitment, and passion for saving lives, and it showcases the tireless efforts of each team member involved.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the staff at RFDS for their remarkable service.

Following a successful ITIC Americas with over 350 participants and excellent networking, the EURAMI Board and Management embarked on a 2-day intensive workshop to define EURAMI’s strategic direction for the coming years. Hosted at the premises of Prime Nursing Care in Hollywood, Florida, and with the support of Franziska Hollenstein, the workshop featured a comprehensive SWOT analysis to pinpoint EURAMI’s key areas for growth and development. Several workgroups were then formed to drive initiatives forward.

“It has been an excellent experience, working in a very structured and goal-oriented manner, building on the collective know-how of the group,” says Cai Glushak, President of EURAMI.

Workgroups will focus on critical areas such as Legal, Finance, Audit, Standards Development, Marketing and Technological Innovation to ensure the continued evolution and success of EURAMI.

Stay tuned! We will be sharing more insights with our members soon.

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨

The EURAMI Board and management are thrilled to announce that Blue Dot Dubai / UAE has successfully earned their Primary Accreditation! 🏆

Bluedot Dubai has achieved this prestigious accreditation in the following categories:

Commercial Airline Medical Escorts
Medical Endorsements:
• Standard Care
• Advanced Care
• Paediatric Transports
• Stretcher Transports

This remarkable achievement reflects their unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier medical transport services with the highest standards of care and professionalism. 🎉👏

We are incredibly proud of Bluedot Dubai for reaching this important milestone and look forward to seeing them continue their dedicated journey towards aeromedical excellence!