Expectant mothers

Safety and fitness to fly

Medical Certificate Guidelines

Issued and signed by the guest’s doctor or attending midwife
Written on a clinic / hospital letterhead and / or stamped by the doctor or attending midwife
The medical certificate is valid for 3 weeks from the date of issue, provided it is within the gestation period which is considered acceptable for travel (please see section on single and multiple pregnancies)
State that the guest is fit to fly
State if the pregnancy is single or multiple
State the number of weeks of pregnancy and the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD)
Easily understood and written in Arabic or English. Other languages are accepted but must be verified by Etihad Airways check-in staff
The original medical certificate shall be accepted for the whole journey (originating, return and stopover flights), provided the above validity criteria is met for each sector

During the first 28 weeks of pregnancy

Mothers expecting one or multiple children can travel without a medical certificate.

Single pregnancy

From the beginning of the 29th week to the end of the 36th week: Mothers will need to submit a medical certificate.
From the beginning of the 37th week onwards: Mothers will not be accepted for travel.

Multiple pregnancy

From the beginning of the 29th week to the end of the 32nd week: Mothers will need to submit a medical certificate.
From the beginning of the 33rd week onwards: Mothers will not be accepted for travel.

We recommend you to avoid air travel up to 7 days after delivery.
Consult your doctor to discuss any potential risks or concerns you may have.
Avoid lifting heavy weights. Extra care should be given when handling your baggage.
Request for a seat near the toilet.
Wear compression stockings and elevate feet during the flight as the threat of thrombosis increases during pregnancy.