For international patients travelling to India, the medical procedure is only half the journey. The other half is logistics. When planning a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), one of the most common questions families ask is: “How long will we need to stay away from home?”

Many patients hope to fly in, undergo surgery, and return home within 14 days.

But is a two-week turnaround medically realistic after major heart surgery?

Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore (Old Airport Road and Yeshwanthpur) are recognized for advanced cardiac sciences and high surgical volumes. While experienced surgeons perform both conventional and minimally invasive bypass procedures, the timeline for flying home depends on the surgical approach, individual recovery, and airline medical regulations.

At Karetrip, we coordinate recovery planning for international cardiac patients. Here is a realistic 2026 guide to bypass recovery and travel readiness.

The Short Answer: Can You Fly in 14 Days?

Airline Policy: Many commercial airlines may allow travel approximately 10–14 days after uncomplicated cardiac surgery, provided the patient is clinically stable and carries a valid “Fit to Fly” certificate. Policies vary by airline and may require medical clearance documentation.

Medical Reality: It depends significantly on how the surgery was performed and how your body heals.

Flying exposes the body to:

• Reduced cabin oxygen pressure
• Prolonged sitting-
• Risk of leg swelling or deep vein thrombosis
• Physical stress during airport navigation

After traditional open-heart surgery, flying exactly at the two-week mark can be physically demanding and may not be recommended in all cases. After minimally invasive surgery, earlier travel may be feasible in selected patients but only after surgeon clearance.

There is no universal “14-day rule.” Clearance is individualized.

Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive (MICS) Recovery

Manipal Hospital’s bypass program may offer both conventional and minimally invasive approaches. Recovery timelines vary depending on technique and patient health.

Option A: Traditional CABG (Median Sternotomy)

• The Method: A vertical incision is made, and the breastbone (sternum) is divided to access the heart.
• Hospital Stay: Typically 6 to 8 days if recovery is uncomplicated.
• Post-Discharge Recovery in India: Many international patients remain locally for 2 to 3 additional weeks for monitoring and wound healing.
• Safe to Fly: Often 3 to 4 weeks post-surgery, depending on sternum stability and overall recovery. The breastbone generally requires about 6 to 8 weeks for full healing. Flying too early may increase discomfort and fatigue.

Option B: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS / Keyhole CABG)

• The Method: The heart is accessed through a small incision between the ribs. The sternum is not divided.
• Hospital Stay: Often 3 to 5 days in uncomplicated cases.
• Post-Discharge Recovery in India: Some patients may stay an additional 5 to 10 days locally for follow-up.
• Safe to Fly: In selected, stable patients, travel may be possible within 10 to 14 days post-surgery, subject to surgeon approval.

Not all patients qualify for minimally invasive CABG. Eligibility depends on coronary anatomy, number of blockages, body habitus, and overall cardiac function.

A Possible 14-Day Timeline (For Selected MICS Patients)

If you are medically suitable for minimally invasive bypass surgery and recovery is uncomplicated, a 2-week plan may look like this:

Day

Milestone Location

Day 1

Surgery performed Cardiac ICU

Day 2–3

Extubation, assisted sitting, and early mobilization Cardiac ICU

Day 4–5

Walking with assistance, breathing exercises Hospital Ward

Day 6

Hospital discharge (if stable) Move to Recovery Accommodation

Day 7–12

Light walking, medication adjustment, wound review Recovery Accommodation

Day 13

Follow-up with cardiologist; wound check Hospital Outpatient

Day 14

If stable and cleared, issue the “Fit to Fly” certificate Airport Transfer

This timeline applies only to patients without complications such as arrhythmias, wound issues, fluid retention, or infection.

The Mandatory “Fit to Fly” Certificate

After heart surgery, airline medical clearance is mandatory.

• What It Is: A formal document issued by your treating surgeon confirming clinical stability, satisfactory wound healing, and ability to tolerate air travel.

• Timing: Many airlines require the certificate to be dated within 48–72 hours of departure.

• Additional Measures: Wheelchair assistance is commonly advised. In rare cases, in-flight oxygen may be recommended based on oxygen saturation levels.

Airlines retain the right to deny boarding if medical clearance is insufficient.

How Karetrip Supports Post-Operative Planning

Recovering in a foreign country requires structured coordination.

• Recovery Accommodation: We arrange ground-floor apartments or properties with elevator access near Manipal Hospital to reduce stair climbing.
• Dietary Planning: Heart-healthy, low-sodium meal arrangements can be coordinated. Availability of specific dietary preferences (including Halal or regional options) depends on the accommodation provider.
• Airport Coordination: Wheelchair assistance and airline communication are arranged in advance to minimize exertion on travel day.

All final medical clearance decisions remain with the treating cardiothoracic surgeon.

Conclusion: Plan for 3 Weeks, Aim for 2 If Cleared

While a 14-day return flight may be possible for selected minimally invasive CABG patients, we advise planning for a 3-week stay to allow a safety buffer. Recovery after major heart surgery is highly individual.

Your heart has undergone major surgery. Rushing recovery increases risk.

Want to know if you qualify for Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery?

Chat with Rua. Securely upload your angiogram reports. Rua will coordinate a clinical review with the cardiac team at Manipal Hospital Bangalore to determine whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive CABG and provide a personalized recovery timeline.

Medical Disclaimer

The recovery timelines provided are general estimates. Individual healing varies depending on age, cardiac function, comorbidities (such as diabetes or kidney disease), and surgical complexity. The final decision regarding fitness to fly rests entirely with your treating cardiothoracic surgeon and the airline’s medical clearance team. Karetrip facilitates accommodation and travel logistics but does not issue medical clearance or guarantee recovery timelines.