Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy
The following table is provided as a guide only to the timeframe that should elapse between a medical event and the intended flight. The timeframes may be changed following considered medical assessment of a specific case (2):
Diagnosis | Assessment required by a doctor with aviation medicine experience | Accept as fit to fly if: | Comments |
Otitis media and sinusitis | Acute illness or with loss of Eustachian function | If able to clear ears | |
Tonsillectomy | 10 days or less | Although it may be ok to fly between day 3 and 6, there is a significant risk of bleeding between day 1 and 2 and between day 7 and 10 | |
Middle ear surgery | 9 days or less | >= 10 days with medical certificate from treating ENT | Ex: Stapedectomy |
For up to date advice then check current guidance (1,2).
Upper respiratory tract infection - relative contraindication to flying (3)
Dental surgery - flying is contraindicated for 2 to 5 days (4)
Note that these are only guidelines and each airline has its own regulations and medical standards.
Reference:
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page