‘Meri Tabiyat Bhi Kharab Thi...’: Indian Mom-To-Be Stopped At Thailand Airport; Can You Fly In Pregnancy?

For pregnant women, travel is nothing short of a challenge as their journey can come with unexpected checks and last-minute documentation. This is what happened with an Indian woman who was almost stopped from boarding a flight back home from Thailand.

The woman shared the incident on social media, where she explained that her flight to India was scheduled from an airport in Thailand. Things seemed normal at first until the boarding gate became a point of confusion for her.

She explains in the vlog, “Mai pregnant hu esliye mujhko airport par hi rok liya (I am pregnant, so I was stopped at the airport itself).” According to her, she had already cleared security and completed the check-in process. It was only when she reached the boarding area that

authorities intervened.

“Mujhe samajh ni ara tha ki mere sath ab kya hoga. Kuch der tak mujhe airport par hi wait karna pada (I didn’t understand what would happen next. I had to wait at the airport for some time),” she says.

Eventually, she was asked to fill out a declaration form confirming her pregnancy. After completing the procedure, she was allowed to board the flight.

While her journey continued, the incident raised a broader question for many viewers: how simple or complicated is travel during pregnancy?

Is It Possible To Travel During Pregnancy?

In general, travelling during pregnancy is allowed if the pregnancy is low-risk and approved by a doctor. Most airlines care more about how far along a woman is in her pregnancy and her health, rather than completely banning travel. Risks such as blood clots, preterm labour or other complications tend to increase after 28 weeks, which is why rules become stricter in later stages. Consulting a gynaecologist before planning any trip is strongly advised.

What Are The Rules For Pregnant Travellers In India?

Indian airlines have defined guidelines. Air India allows travel up to 32 weeks for uncomplicated single pregnancies without medical documents. Beyond that, up to 35 weeks, a fitness certificate issued within 72 hours is mandatory.

Travel after 35 weeks or with multiple pregnancies and complications is not permitted. Train travel within India does not have formal gestational limits, but caution is advised after 28 weeks due to limited medical access during journeys.

What Are The Travel Rules For Pregnant Travellers In Thailand?

Thailand does not have pregnancy-specific entry restrictions for Indian travellers. But airlines like Thai Airways allow travel up to 36 weeks for a single pregnancy, with a medical certificate required after 28 weeks.

Cruises and ferries often impose earlier cut-offs, usually between 24 and 28 weeks. Health advisories also highlight mosquito-related risks in the region.

What Are The Travel Rules For Pregnant Travellers In Indonesia?

Indonesia also does not bar pregnant women from entering the country. Airlines serving destinations such as Bali and Jakarta generally allow travel up to 36 weeks for uncomplicated single pregnancies, with medical clearance required after 28 weeks. The certificate usually needs to be issued within 7 to 10 days of travel.

For multiple pregnancies, most airlines reduce the limit to 32 weeks. While immigration rules remain unchanged, airlines may deny boarding if paperwork is incomplete. Travellers are also advised to be cautious about dehydration and food-related illnesses.

What About Other Popular Destinations?

Countries like the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and several European nations allow pregnant travellers generally up to 36 weeks, provided medical clearance is available after 28 weeks.

Long-haul travel, especially to Europe, comes with added concerns like deep vein thrombosis, which makes the doctor’s approval essential.

What Are Specific Airline Guidelines For Pregnant Indian Travellers?

Air India: Single uncomplicated pregnancies allowed up to 35 weeks to Thailand. After 32 weeks, a doctor’s certificate issued within 72 hours is required. Multiple pregnancies or complications allowed only up to 32 weeks.

IndiGo: Travel permitted up to 32 weeks without any certificate. From 32–36 weeks, a doctor’s note confirming fitness to fly (dated within 7 days) is needed. Travel is not allowed after 36 weeks or in high-risk pregnancies.

Thai Airways: Single pregnancies allowed up to 36 weeks with a medical certificate after 28 weeks (valid within 7 days). Twin or multiple pregnancies are capped at 32 weeks. Inform the airline at booking for seat support.

Vistara (merged with Air India): Maximum travel up to 36 weeks with medical clearance after 28 weeks. Advisable to avoid long-haul flights like Delhi–Bangkok after 32 weeks.

Qatar Airways (common transit airline): Uncomplicated pregnancies between 29–36 weeks require a medical report (no MEDIF form). Multiple or complicated pregnancies allowed up to 32 weeks with both the doctor’s report and the MEDIF form. Strictly enforced at check-in.

Low-Cost Carriers:

AirAsia: Up to 32 weeks without documentation. Beyond that requires a certificate dated within 10 days.

Lion Air / Thai Lion: Up to 28 weeks unrestricted, with a doctor’s note required after that.

EVA Air (codeshare routes): 28–36 weeks allowed with MEDIF form submitted within 10 days of travel.

What Are Best Practices For Pregnant Women Who Plan To Travel?

Doctors usually recommend travelling during the second trimester. Staying hydrated, moving frequently, choosing aisle seats and securing pregnancy-inclusive travel insurance can help reduce risks. Travel is usually discouraged in high-risk pregnancies involving conditions like preeclampsia or bleeding.