Why should you avoid flying after scuba diving?

Flying shortly after scuba diving should be avoided primarily to reduce the risk of decompression sickness due to rapid changes in pressure. When a diver ascends to the surface and returns to normal atmospheric pressure, nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body at greater depths starts to come out of solution. If a diver ascends to a high altitude too soon after diving, this release of nitrogen can occur too rapidly, potentially leading to gas bubbles forming in the tissues and bloodstream, which could cause decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

This risk is especially significant because aircraft cabins are pressurized, but the pressure is still lower than that at sea level. Therefore, flying shortly after a dive effectively subjects the body to a rapid drop in pressure, increasing the likelihood of nitrogen bubbles forming. Divers are typically advised to wait a certain amount of time, generally at least 24 hours, before flying to allow sufficient time for nitrogen to safely leave the body without complications.

The other considerations, while important in different contexts, do not address the primary physiological risks associated with flying after diving.