ear, nose and throat disorders and flying
Last edited 08/2019
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:
- Civil Aviation Authority. Fitness to Fly (Accessed 1/8/19)
- International Air Transport Association. Medical Manual 11th Edition (2018).
- Doctor (April 2005). Ready Reckoner - fitness to fly.
- 'Medical guidelines for air travel', Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, October 1996, 67, 10, 11.