Health Alert Issued to Holidaymakers Planning to Travel by Air

October 27, 2025

Health Alert for Air Travellers

Holidaymakers planning to travel by plane are urged to take extra care after a recent health advisory from travel and public-health experts. With more people traveling and destinations more accessible, the alert highlights important concerns and offers advice for a safe journey. 

What the Alert Covers

The alert stresses that travellers should:

• Monitor their health in the days leading up to departure and avoid flying if they feel unwell, especially with symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, or unexplained fatigue, which may indicate an infectious illness.
• Consider the increased risk of spreading common respiratory viruses or travel-related infections in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
• Be aware that underlying health issues, such as chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, or recent surgeries, may increase the risk of travel-related illness or complications during the flight.
• Stay informed about destination-specific travel health guidelines, including necessary vaccinations, preventive medication (when applicable), and local healthcare options.
• Practice good hygiene during the journey by washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, avoiding touching the face, and following proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
• Ensure travel insurance covers health-related incidents abroad, including repatriation if necessary.

Why This Matters

Air travel exposes passengers to enclosed spaces, shared facilities, and long periods of sitting, all of which can lead to health risks, including deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), dehydration, and higher transmission of viral illnesses. This alert is timely as many holidaymakers are returning to flying after pandemic-related interruptions, making awareness of travel health risks essential.

Expert Tips Before You Fly

- Medical assessment: If you have a chronic condition, a recent illness, or are on immunosuppressive treatment, consult your GP or a travel-medicine specialist before you leave. 
- Stay hydrated: Cabin air is dry, so drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and caffeine, and consider light stretching or movement on board.
- Use proper posture and movement: For longer flights, move around every hour, flex your feet and ankles, and avoid crossing your legs for long periods to lower the risk of DVT.
- Keep a travel health kit: Pack personal medications (with prescriptions), basic first-aid supplies, disinfectant wipes, and a mask if you want to reduce exposure to others.
- Destination intelligence: Check travel health portals, such as those from government agencies or major airlines, for updates on outbreaks, vaccination needs, or travel restrictions for your destination. 

What Travellers Should Do Now

If you have flights booked, review your schedule, ensure you are healthy for travel, and update your travel insurance and health coverage. If you feel unwell the week before your trip, consider postponing or cancelling, and consult a healthcare provider. For future bookings, think about the time of year, the health infrastructure at your destination, and the flight length and transfer needs, especially if you may be at higher risk due to age or health status.