diff --git a/src/client/mesh_generator_thread.cpp b/src/client/mesh_generator_thread.cpp
index 4f7dd7fb50..bfb739a4c6 100644
--- a/src/client/mesh_generator_thread.cpp
+++ b/src/client/mesh_generator_thread.cpp
@@ -112,6 +112,18 @@ bool MeshUpdateQueue::addBlock(Map *map, v3s16 p, bool ack_block_to_server,
 		}
 	}
 
+	/*
+		Air blocks won't suddenly become visible due to a neighbor update, so
+		skip those.
+		Note: this can be extended with more precise checks in the future
+	*/
+	if (from_neighbor && mesh_grid.cell_size == 1 && main_block->isAir()) {
+		assert(!ack_block_to_server);
+		m_urgents.erase(mesh_position);
+		g_profiler->add("MeshUpdateQueue: updates skipped", 1);
+		return true;
+	}
+
 	/*
 		Add the block
 	*/