AIRLINES WELCOME WHO STATEMENT ON DVT RESEARCH

ATA and its Member airlines today welcomed the World Health Organisation (WHO) announcement that WHO are to conduct a very large research project on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and air travel. The project will take two and a half years to complete and “based on solid scientific evidence from the studies, a set of recommendations will eventually be drawn up for use by interested parties, including travellers.”

At present there is no evidence of a link between DVT and air travel itself, beyond a risk associated with any long period of immobility, often in turn associated with pre-existing medical conditions.

"As I said earlier this year – it is good that institutes such as WHO are taking a pro-active stance on this issue, in order that the airline industry’s service standards on passenger health may be based on knowledge rather than hearsay,” said IATA Director General and CEO Pierre J. Jeanniot, “and we look forward to receiving the WHO’s detailed research proposals and to a fruitful collaboration with them. There is a need to establish a full factual picture on DVT.”

Today’s WHO announcement re-confirmed common sense measures for enhanced passenger well-being while travelling by air – such as wearing comfortable clothing and exercising while seated. Prospective air passengers with any doubts on the subject of DVT should seek the advice of their doctor.