According to Australian research findings published in the British Medical Journal, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is more likely to develop within two weeks of a long haul flight.

The study, in BMJ Volume 327, showed that the annual risk from DVT is increased by 12 per cent in those taking one long haul flight a year but that, overall, the individual risk of death remains very small at one in two million.

A 'healthy traveller' effect was also observed, particularly amongst Australian citizens, which suggest that those who undertook international travel were more healthy and less likely to develop spontaneous blood clots than those who do not travel.

The study concluded with the advice that, although the average risk of DVT remains small, airlines and health authorities should continue to advise passengers on ways to minimise risk.