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Waiting an adequate time between your last dive and your flight is essential to prevent decompression sickness (DCS). The reduced cabin pressure in aircraft can cause dissolved nitrogen in your blood to form bubbles, leading to DCS symptoms.
| Diving Scenario | Minimum Wait Before Flying | Recommended Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Single no-decompression dive | 12 hours | 18 hours |
| Multiple no-decompression dives (same day) | 18 hours | 24 hours |
| Multiple days of diving | 18 hours | 24 hours |
| Decompression dives | 24 hours minimum | 48 hours |
Most Komodo dive trips involve multiple dives over multiple days, which means the 18 to 24 hour guideline applies. Here are practical scheduling suggestions:
Use your mandatory no-fly day to enjoy Labuan Bajo's non-diving activities:
Critical reminder: This applies to all flights, including short domestic flights from Labuan Bajo to Bali. Even though the flight is only 1 to 1.5 hours, the cabin is pressurised to the equivalent of approximately 2,000 metres altitude — enough to trigger DCS in a recently dived individual.