Commercial Stretcher Flights To and From the UK
A lifeline in the skies safe, dignified patient transfers from the UK at a fraction of private air ambulance costs.
What Is a Commercial Stretcher Flight?
A commercial stretcher flight is a medical repatriation method where a patient is transported in a stretcher setup within a commercial airline, rather than a private air ambulance. The rear seats of the aircraft are removed to install a dedicated stretcher bed, complete with privacy screens and medical equipment, providing a safe and stable environment for long-haul travel.
This option is ideal for non-critical yet non-mobile patients who require medical supervision but are stable enough to fly on a commercial aircraft
Who Is Eligible for a Stretcher Flight?
Stretcher flights are suitable for:
Patients who are medically stable but unable to sit upright.
Elderly patients or terminally ill individuals seeking to return to their home country for palliative care.
Individuals with fractures, spinal injuries, or paralysis.
Post-operative patients who need to return home.
Each case is assessed individually by our medical team in coordination with the treating hospital and the airline’s medical desk.
Airlines & Airports Supporting Stretcher Transfers
Only a select number of airlines and international airports support stretcher accommodations. Major airlines such as Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer stretcher services on long-haul routes from the UK.
Most stretcher transfers are available from major UK airports including:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- London Gatwick (LGW)
Our team ensures complete coordination with the airline and secures the necessary approvals for stretcher installations on board.
Medical Clearances & Coordination
Stretcher transfers involve complex coordination and approvals that our repatriation experts handle entirely:
Medical clearance from the airline via MEDIF forms
Hospital discharge and fit-to-fly certification
Ground ambulance from hospital to airport and vice versa
Installation of medical equipment, oxygen support, and privacy screens
Escort doctor or nurse during the flight, based on patient condition
Airport stretcher handling and customs clearance
We take care of end-to-end medical and logistical arrangements, ensuring the patient travels safely and with dignity.
From UK to India, UAE, Pakistan & More
We manage stretcher repatriation flights from the UK to several international destinations including:
- India – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad
- UAE – Dubai, Abu Dhabi
- Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad
- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Eastern Europe
Whether the patient is an expat returning home, a traveller who fell ill abroad, or someone seeking cross-border treatment — we are here to help.
Commercial stretcher flights can save up to 70% of the cost compared to private air ambulances. While not suitable for all patients, they offer a reliable option for families who want expert care without the premium of a charter flight.
Talk with Experts
We provide a full range of emergency and medical services designed to meet all your healthcare needs with professional excellence.