21st February 2025

A 26-year-old man presents with a 4-hour history of left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.

A 26-year-old man presents with a 4-hour history of left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray demonstrates a 2 cm right-sided pneumothorax which is successfully aspirated in A&E. There is no history of trauma or any underlying respiratory condition. He is discharged with a follow-up appointment with the respiratory team in 3 weeks.

At the follow-up appointment, he mentions that he is planning on going on holiday to Spain a few weeks later and wonders whether it is safe to fly after his pneumothorax. 

What advice should be given regarding flying following a pneumothorax? 

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.