Is it safe to fly after diving near Komodo National Park?

It is not safe to fly immediately after scuba diving, and this rule applies strictly in Komodo as everywhere else. The standard recommendation is to wait at least eighteen hours after a single no decompression dive before flying, and twenty four hours after multiple dives or any dive requiring decompression stops. Flying too soon after diving can trigger decompression illness, also known as the bends, which is painful and potentially life threatening.

Most dive itineraries in Komodo are planned with this restriction in mind. If you are on a dedicated diving cruise or adding dives to your our boat voyages, the final dive will typically be scheduled early on the penultimate day. This allows a full surface interval before any afternoon or evening flight from Labuan Bajo. Our team, including Alvaro who coordinates schedules, can help you align your dive plan with your flight departure.

Labuan Bajo airport is small and flights to Bali are frequent, but missing your window due to poor planning is expensive and stressful. If you are unsure about your dive profile or surface interval, ask your dive master directly. Keep a log of your depths and times. Decompression chambers exist in Labuan Bajo, but avoiding the problem entirely is far preferable. End your Komodo diving trip safely so you can start planning your return.