Medical guidelines for air transport of patients
Patients who are planning to travel by air can be generally divided into two groups:
Group 1:
Individuals whose condition does not pose a risk to air travel and are traveling by air for reasons such as pilgrimage, tourism, etc. Most patients fall into this group and usually do not face any issues related to flying.
Group 2:
Individuals whose medical condition is the primary reason for their travel, such as seeking medical treatment or specialized consultation. These individuals may not be able to care for themselves during the flight and may require assistance. The conditions during the flight can have adverse effects on their health and well-being.
In general, all patients who are in critical and unstable conditions are required to obtain medical clearance for air travel.
The decision-making regarding these categories of passengers rests with the airline medical unit, and only this department can issue and determine the conditions, facilities, and limitations under which a patient can undertake air travel. The treating physician's opinion serves as a recommendation, and the final decision-making authority lies with the airline medical department because the physiological changes induced by factors like decreased pressure and oxygen intensity can lead to critical conditions for susceptible patients. Additionally, the physical constraints of the aircraft cabin and the psychological stress and excitement induced by flying can create challenges.
Steps for obtaining a flight medical license:
Sick passengers must inform sales offices about their condition before purchasing a ticket and complete the medical license form by the medical and aviation center.
Airport service personnel should be informed about their special conditions to provide necessary services for their transfer and disembarkation at the origin and destination.
For final approval of the medical form, visit the medical and aviation center 48 to 72 hours before the flight.
If there are multiple transit flight routes, it is necessary to mention them in the medical form. Medical forms completed by the treating physician and the airline medical and aviation center at the departure location should be provided for special services and flight attendants.
The validity of the medical and aviation center's approval for domestic and international flights is 48 hours from the time of issuance.
In general, obtaining a medical license for travel is mandatory for individuals with the following conditions:
- Individuals suffering from any infectious or contagious disease
- Individuals whose physical or behavioral conditions may cause inconvenience to other passengers.
- Patients whose condition may disrupt flight safety or cause flight delays.
- Patients who are unable to care for themselves and require assistance during the flight.
Patients whose medical condition may worsen or exacerbate during the flight should be taken into consideration.
Passengers with certain medical conditions do not require a medical clearance:
- Dear veterans and disabled individuals who do not require special medical services.
- Individuals who have undergone infertility surgeries 24 hours post-operation.
- Superficial skin and hair-related surgeries. (Note: Nasal surgeries are not included)
- Vision correction surgeries for passengers under 40 years old (corneal laser surgery)
- Cases of upper limb (arm and forearm) and lower limb (foot and calf) casting or splinting after 24 hours for domestic flights and 48 hours after casting for international flights, provided there is no bleeding.
- Nose surgeries without respiratory obstruction and dressing
Passengers with urinary catheters who have not undergone any abdominal surgery in the past two weeks,
Individuals under 60 years of age with spinal injuries but do not require a backboard and oxygen, and are able to use a seatbelt,
Superficial burns that do not have an unpleasant appearance or smell,
Any surgical procedure that has been performed two weeks ago, and the individual is in good general health and able to sit in a seat and fasten their seatbelt.
Pregnancy Guidelines:
First Trimester:
Flights under 2 hours: Pregnant passengers do not require a medical certificate until the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
Flights over 2 hours: Pregnant passengers do not require a medical certificate until the end of the 28th week of pregnancy.
Note: In both cases, presenting a valid medical certificate issued by a specialist obstetrician with a medical board stamp is mandatory.
Second and subsequent pregnancies:
Pregnant passengers do not require a medical certificate until the end of the 28th week of pregnancy. (Presenting a valid medical certificate issued by a specialist obstetrician with a medical board stamp is mandatory) ·One week after childbirth, there are no restrictions on flights.
Infants born naturally can fly after the first week of birth provided they have no medical conditions. ✈️
Prohibited Flight Cases:
Passengers whose illness severity may lead to their death during the flight.
Passengers whose illness may create discomfort for other passengers.
Passengers with mental illnesses that are uncontrollable and may endanger the safety of the aircraft and other passengers.
Individuals with infectious diseases that pose a risk of spreading the disease to other passengers.
Pregnancy after the 34th week.
Infants under one week old.
Passengers unable to use a standard aircraft seat in any condition.
Although decisions regarding each ill individual should be made based on their physical conditions and current state, the attached timelines are recommended by the International Airline Association and can be used as guidance, not as directives.