COVID-19: Mandatory mask wearing at airports and on European flights ‘no longer recommended’ | World News
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that wearing face masks in airports and on European flights is “no longer recommended”.
The move announced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and ECDC will take effect on May 16.
EASA said it hoped the decision would mark “a major step forward in the normalization of air travel”.
Both authorities are advising travelers that, despite the lifting of regulations, face masks are still “one of the best protections” against COVID-19.
Vulnerable passengers have been told they should continue to wear masks and everyone will be asked to observe social distancing in indoor areas.
However, airport operators have been advised not to take any corrective measures if they have the potential to lead to congestion, ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said.
After EASA and ECDC drop the rule, individual airlines will continue to be able to make their own requirements.
Airlines have been asked to encourage passengers to wear masks on flights to or from destinations where the mandatory wearing of masks on public transport is still in place.
They have also been advised to keep the passenger locating information collection systems on standby in case of future need, such as if a “new variant of interest” emerges.
“From next week, masks will no longer be mandatory when traveling by plane in all cases, in accordance with
changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport,” said EASA CEO Patrick Ky.
“It is a relief for all of us that we are finally reaching a stage of the pandemic where we can begin to relax the health safety measures.”
Italy, France, Bulgaria and other European countries have relaxed or ended many of their COVID measures, and some US airlines have dropped mask requirements.
What are the COVID rules for UK travel?
Across the UK, passengers are advised to check with their travel provider whether the COVID-19 rules apply.
The Departments of Transportation and Department of Health say that people should follow all coronavirus restrictions and guidelines from their location of transportation.
People are also no longer required to fill out a UK passenger locator form before they travel or take a COVID test on exit or entry into the country.
