Thrombosis and air travel: Risks, prevention, and management

Air travel is an established risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Prolonged immobility, hypobaric hypoxia, dehydration, and individual risk factors interact to elevate thrombosis risk during long-haul flights. While the absolute incidence of clinically significant events is low, the global scale of air travel renders this a relevant public health concern. This narrative review summarizes the epidemiology, mechanisms, preventive strategies, and guideline recommendations for thrombosis during air travel, with emphasis on evidence-based prophylaxis and identification of high-risk groups.