Airlines may ask patients to provide letters or medical certificates confirming that a person’s medical condition is currently stable and that they are ‘fit to fly’; this often affects pregnant women. GPs are not specially trained in aviation medicine and are not insured to certify whether patients are fit to fly. We also do not have direct access to the ante-natal records of our pregnant patients. Unfortunately, we are therefore unable to provide any such certification.
We understand that this decision may cause inconvenience to some of our patients however, our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our patients, and we believe this decision aligns with that responsibility. If your midwife is also unable to provide this service, you may wish to access your records via the NHS app and use this information to request certification via a private provider.
Thank you for your understanding.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority states:
‘Most airlines have medical advisors who advise and clear passengers as fit to fly. The final decision on whether or not to carry a passenger is that of the airline.
For further information, please see the health pages on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Health guidelines for air travel | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)