Europe Lifts Mandatory Face Mask Requirement on Flights and Airports From Today
Such a decision comes following the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommendation, while they stressed that a face mask is still among the best preventive measures against the virus, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
“In particular the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries,” the statement reads.
The decision was considered a big step forward by the EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky.
“For passengers and aircrews, this is a big step forward in the normalisation of air travel. Passengers should, however, behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask for the reassurance of those seated nearby,” Ky pointed out.
In this regard, ECDC Director Andrea Ammon has said that the continuous updates to the Aviation Health Safety protocols regarding the COVID-19 situation have given better knowledge to travellers of the risks of transmission of the virus and its new strains.
“While risks do remain, we have seen that non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal,” Ammon pointed out.
The updated guideline of EASA and ECDC, which among others, advises the EU Member States to lift the mandatory face mask requirement on flights and airports, has also been welcomed by the Airports Council International (ACI).
The council said that keeping a face mask on is no longer compulsory on public transport, and this should be implemented at airports and aircraft on board.
Still, the statement published by EASA and ECDC notes that rules for masks will continue to depend on airlines beyond May 16, stressing that flights to or from a destination where a face mask is still required on public transport should continue to recommend travellers to wear a face mask.
Recently authorities in Italy announced that they will continue to oblige travellers to wear a face mask on flights to and from Italy until June 15, despite the EU recommendation.
Besides Italy, authorities in Spain also announced that all persons on flights to and from Spain would still be urged to wear a face covering mask. The decision was confirmed by the country’s Minister of Health, Carolina Darias.
