Why this matters more in Aqaba
“Flying after diving” isn’t only about airplanes. What matters is altitude exposure. Reduced pressure (whether by flying or going to elevation) can increase decompression stress.
In Aqaba, many travelers finish diving at sea level, then drive to higher elevation in the Amman area and fly out from there. That means you may get meaningful altitude exposure before your flight, then experience a second pressure change during the flight.
What the mainstream guidelines generally recommend
The widely taught “minimums” you’ll hear across dive medicine guidance are: 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive, 18 hours after multiple dives or multiple days, and 24+ hours after decompression diving.
In real-world diving—especially multi-day trips—many instructors and operations use a simple, safety-first standard: 24 hours before flying when schedules allow.
Stonefish recommendation for Aqaba-to-Amman departures
Because Aqaba departures often include multiple days of diving, long travel days, dehydration risk, and altitude exposure before the flight, we recommend using 24 hours as the default surface interval before starting the drive to Amman.
Use your dive computer (and still be conservative)
Modern dive computers calculate “no-fly” guidance based on your actual profiles. That’s useful. Our rule is simple: follow the longer of (a) your computer’s advice or (b) our 24-hour standard for Aqaba→Amman travel.
Risk factors that push you toward more time
- Deeper dives, longer bottom times, repetitive profiles
- Multiple dive days (common in Aqaba)
- Dehydration, fatigue, heavy exertion, poor sleep
- Fast ascents or skipped safety stops
- Any “off” feeling after diving
If any of these apply, add buffer time. In diving, conservative planning is a feature, not a limitation.
Critical warning: symptoms = stop and get help
If you feel unusual fatigue, joint pain, tingling/numbness, dizziness, breathing trouble, rash, or anything that feels “not normal” after diving: do not go to altitude and do not fly.
Seek medical evaluation. Oxygen can be life-saving in suspected decompression illness.
What to do on your “no-dive day” in Aqaba
The best part: a 24-hour surface interval is the perfect time for Jordan topside. Hydrate, rest, pack calmly, and keep the day easy before travel.
Sources (optional reading)
These links are for general reference. Always follow your dive computer and seek medical guidance if symptoms occur.
Need help timing your last dive?
Tell us your flight city (Aqaba or Amman), your departure time, and how many dives you plan. We’ll help you schedule your last dive conservatively.
Contact Stonefish DivingDisclaimer: This article is general educational guidance and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your dive computer’s recommendations and consult a qualified dive medicine professional with any concerns.