The Hardest Part of the Holiday: The Flight Home
You have had an amazing week exploring the coral reefs of Hurghada. You’ve seen dolphins, turtles, and maybe even a shark. But now, as your holiday comes to an end, there is one critical safety rule you must not ignore: The No-Fly Time.
Many divers ask us: "Can I dive on the morning of my flight?" The short answer is NO. Flying too soon after diving can lead to Decompression Sickness (DCS), a serious condition that can turn a great holiday into a medical emergency. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe.
The Science: Why is it Dangerous?
When you dive, you breathe compressed air. This causes nitrogen to dissolve into your body tissues. On the surface, this nitrogen is slowly released harmlessly. However, inside an airplane cabin, the air pressure is lower than at sea level (it’s like being at the top of a mountain). If you fly while you still have too much nitrogen in your body, the drop in pressure can cause that nitrogen to expand and form bubbles in your blood. This is known as "The Bends".
The Golden Rules (PADI & DAN Guidelines)
To keep you safe, the Divers Alert Network (DAN) and PADI have established clear guidelines. In the Red Sea, we strictly follow these conservative rules:
For a Single Dive: If you have only done one dive, you must wait a minimum of 12 hours before flying.
For Multiple Dives (The Standard): Since most visitors to Hurghada do multiple dives over several days (Daily Diving or Safari), you must wait a minimum of 18 hours.
The "Red Sea" Recommendation: To be extra safe, most professional dive centers in Egypt recommend a full 24-hour surface interval before your flight.
What If I Feel Symptoms?
If you fly too early and start feeling joint pain, numbness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, notify the flight attendant immediately. You may need oxygen and medical attention upon landing. This is why dive insurance is essential.
How to Spend Your "No-Fly" Day in Hurghada
The "24-hour rule" doesn't mean your holiday is over! It just means you need to stay on dry land (or at sea level). Here are some great ways to spend your last day while you "off-gas":
Desert Safari: Swap the blue deep for the golden dunes. A Quad Bike safari is a thrilling way to end your trip.
Snorkeling: Yes! You can still snorkel on the surface. As long as you don't descend deep holding your breath, swimming on the surface is perfectly safe.
Relax at the Marina: Enjoy a nice seafood dinner at the Hurghada Marina and watch the sunset.
Plan Ahead
When booking your flights and diving package, always count backward from your flight time. If your flight is on Friday at 2:00 PM, your last dive should finish by Thursday at 2:00 PM at the latest. Safety first, fun always!
