How long must a person wait to fly after scuba diving?

After scuba diving, the recommended waiting period before flying is 24 hours. This precaution is essential due to the risk of decompression sickness, which can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in the body during a rapid ascent from underwater. When divers descend, their bodies absorb nitrogen from the air in their tanks. If a diver flies too soon after surfacing, the reduction in atmospheric pressure can cause these nitrogen bubbles to expand rapidly, leading to potentially serious health consequences.

The 24-hour guideline serves as a buffer to allow the body sufficient time to off-gas the excess nitrogen safely. This recommendation is widely accepted among aviation and diving organizations to promote safety and minimize risks associated with flying after diving activities. Always prioritizing safety, this waiting period helps ensure that divers are in a stable condition before taking to the skies.