When is it safe to fly after multiple dive sessions?

The recommendation to wait at least 24 hours after completing dives before flying is based on the need to allow the body to eliminate any nitrogen absorbed during the dives. When scuba diving, especially at greater depths or during multiple dives, nitrogen is absorbed into the body tissues and bloodstream. If a diver ascends too quickly or flies too soon after diving, this nitrogen can form bubbles in the body, leading to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

Waiting for at least 24 hours provides a sufficient safety margin to ensure that the nitrogen has been adequately expelled from the body. This time frame is particularly emphasized for divers who have participated in multiple dive sessions, where the risk of nitrogen build-up is higher.

While flying immediately after a dive is risky due to the chance of nitrogen bubbles, and shorter intervals, such as 12 hours, are generally discouraged—especially for deeper or repetitive dives—ensuring a full day allows the body to recover fully from the physiological effects of diving. Medical check-ups may be helpful for individual circumstances but are not a universally recommended practice for post-dive flying. Therefore, adhering to the 24-hour rule is the safest guideline for divers planning to travel by air.