All about flying from the UAE during pregnancy
Are you planning a babymoon in the Maldives? Or want to head home to see your family before the baby arrives? If you’re planning air travel while pregnant, it’s likely you’ll have some questions about when it’s safe for you to travel. Here’s all you need to know about flying from the UAE during pregnancy.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT
Depending on the stage of pregnancy (usually from the 29th week) and your current health condition, you may need to submit a medical certificate before flying from the UAE when pregnant. As per the general flight rules for pregnant ladies in the UAE, the original medical certificate should be produced at the airport when you check-in. The certificate should adhere to the following requirements:
- Declare that you are able to fly.
- Confirm whether this is a single or multiple pregnancies.
- Include the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant and your due date (EDD).
- Be printed on a letterhead from the clinic/hospital or be officially stamped.
- Written in clear English or Arabic (other languages are acceptable but must be checked by airline personnel).
- Be within three weeks of the initial date of issue.
- Must show that the passenger is within the gestation period considered acceptable for travel and be signed by their doctor or midwife.
You’ll only need one certificate for the duration of your trip if you meet all of the validity criteria.
POLICIES OF AIRLINES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
For the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, women can travel without a medical certificate. Most airline companies ask for a certificate from the beginning of the 29th week to the end of the 36th week.
Check out the travel guidelines for flying during pregnancy with single or multiple pregnancies to get a better idea of each airline’s specific requirements.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways does not require a medical certificate for flights during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. If your pregnancy is complicated by a condition that puts you at risk, you need to fill out a medical information form (MEDIF) and consult a doctor before you go to seek the airline’s advice.
SINGLE PREGNANCY
- From weeks 29 to 36, the passenger will require a medical certificate for pregnancy travel, which she must present at the airport when checking in.
- Expectant mothers beyond the 37th week of pregnancy are not permitted to travel.
MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES
- From weeks 29 to 32, you’ll need a medical certificate to fly, which you’ll have to show at the airport when checking in.
- You will not be allowed to travel beyond the 33rd week of your pregnancy.
EMIRATES AIRLINES
You can book an Emirates Airlines flight as usual up until your 29th week of pregnancy, as long as you haven’t had any difficulties or medical concerns.
You’ll need a medical certificate or letter signed by your doctor or midwife if you’re travelling during or after your 29th week of pregnancy. Those who don’t have the certificate might not be able to board the plane.
Pregnant ladies cannot fly after the 32nd week of multiple pregnancies or the 36th week of a single pregnancy. If you need to travel, fill out the MEDIF Form to request medical clearance.
The letter must have:
- Confirmation of whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
- Confirmation that there have been no difficulties with the pregnancy thus far.
- The expected delivery date.
- When your doctor expects you to be able to travel by.
- That you are in good physical condition.
- That there is no known reason why you wouldn’t be able to fly.
AIR ARABIA
Air Arabia allows pregnant women to travel up to the end of their 35th week of pregnancy. They will have to provide a medical certificate stating the number of weeks of pregnancy and proving that they are fit to fly. The certificate must be certified by a physician and is valid for seven days after it is issued.
Once a pregnant woman reaches the 36th week of her pregnancy, the airline does not allow travelling. If it is a twin or triplet pregnancy, return flights should be completed before the end of the 32nd week.
FLY DUBAI
The airline allows regular travel for expectant mothers until the end of 28 weeks. Travelling after 28 weeks is not allowed unless an official medical certificate is shown to Fly Dubai. Travelling is not permitted after the end of 36 weeks.
SINGLE PREGNANCY
- The medical certificate is required from the start of week 29 to the end of week 36.
- Travelling is not allowed from the start of week 37 onwards.
MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES
- You need to submit a medical certificate if travelling between the start of week 29 and the end of week 32.
- Travelling is not allowed from the start of week 33 onwards.
TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVELS
Air travel is likely to be safe if you are pregnant and in good health. The optimum time to fly is during the second trimester as you will hopefully be over any morning sickness you’ve encountered.
However, before making a reservation, see your doctor and describe the trip in detail. Even when your doctor gives your clearance for flying from the UAE during pregnancy, it’s wise to take some precautions before and during your flight to ensure your safety:
- Always consult your doctor before making any travel arrangements.
- Examine your health insurance plan. What if you require medical assistance or give birth to your child while travelling?
- Dress in layers for your trip. When you’re pregnant, your body doesn’t regulate its temperature as well as it should.
- During the flight, wear compression stockings and elevate your feet.
- Try to acquire an aisle seat near the front of the plane; this will make boarding and disembarking more convenient.
- Before you fly, talk to your doctor about the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- After the baby is born, try to avoid travelling for at least seven days.
- In several countries, pregnant non-national women are subject to immigration restrictions. Contact the local consulate or embassy if you have any questions.
- If you’re lifting heavy objects or luggage when travelling, take extra precautions.
- Request a seat near a restroom before your flight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the safest time to fly while expecting a child?
If you’re only carrying one baby, it’s usually safe to travel before 37 weeks as long as there are no known issues or concerns with your pregnancy. If you’re pregnant with twins, you can fly up to 32 weeks. To avoid any risks, it is best to consult with a doctor before travelling.
There are various hospitals in the UAE offering excellent maternity services to residents. You can also visit any of the top clinics in Dubai for consultation before flying from the UAE during pregnancy.
Are women in the UAE entitled to maternity leaves?
Yes, however, note that the average maternity leave for women employed by the public sector is longer than for those working for private organisations.
Moreover, the paid leaves for expectant mothers also depend on the emirate in which they are working. For instance, the public sector in Abu Dhabi gives 90-day leave with full pay. Whereas female employees in the Sharjah government are entitled to a total of 120 days of leaves, comprising paid leave of 90 days and unpaid leave of 30 days.
Which healthcare insurance company in Dubai is best for maternity?
Insurance companies like Allianz, AXA and Arabia Insurance offer excellent maternity benefits. There is also no need to pay a high premium; there are economic health care insurance companies in Dubai that ensure low-cost maternity medical treatments at several hospitals and clinics.
Which hospitals offer maternity packages in Dubai?
Medcare Women and Children Hospital, Fakeeh University Hospital and American Hospital offer maternity packages in Dubai. If you have a tight budget, you can contact the more budget-friendly options like Zulekha Hospital, Saudi German Hospital and a few others.
And that concludes our guide to flying from the UAE during pregnancy. We hope it helps ensure that any travelling you must do when pregnant is seamless and smooth. Happy travels!
The airports in the UAE offer world-class amenities to passengers and always prioritise their safety and security. At the airport, pregnant women can use various facilities, including baggage porters and baggage delivery, self-check-in, automated passport control gates and so on.
If don’t want to take any minimal risk of flying, a staycation can be a good alternative. Become a tourist without leaving the country at these excellent hotels and resorts in the UAE
Keep following MyBayut to learn about the other travel guidelines and requirements.
