Face masks to be scrapped on flights in Europe - this is when the law comes into force
The European Union will no longer require masks to be worn at airports and on planes starting next week, amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions across the bloc, authorities said on Wednesday.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it hoped the joint decision, made with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, would mark “a big step forward in the normalisation of air travel" for passengers and crews.
The new guideline “takes ac-count of the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries,” the two agencies said in a joint statement.
The health safety measures for air travel, paving the way for a relaxation of the need to wear medical masks on board a flight, but noting that a #FaceMask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/w6TeYvtvk7
— ECDC (@ECDC_EU) May 11, 2022 Updated: Italy entry rules for testing, vaccinations and mask wearing Where can I travel in Europe? An updated list of COVID entry rules for every European country
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“Passengers should however behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them,” EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said.
"And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”
While the new recommenda-tions take effect on 16 May, rules for masks may still vary by airline beyond that date if they fly to or from destinations where the rules are different.
Washing hands and social dis-tancing should still be practised, but airport operators are advised not to impose distancing requirements.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control director Andrea Ammon said washing hands and social distancing should still be practised, but airport operators are advised not to impose distancing requirements if these are likely to lead to a bottleneck.
While many countries no longer require passengers to submit data through a passenger locator form, the agencies also said that airlines should keep their data collection systems on standby so they could make this information available to public health authorities if needed.
For example in the case where a new variant of concern emerged which was identified as potentially more dangerous.
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The news will be welcomed by the European aviation sector which is still trying to return to pre-pandemic levels of travel.
The number of countries that have removed all COVID-related entry restrictions is growing and many are also ditching domestic rules on masks and social distancing.
On Wednesday, the French government announced that masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from 16 May.
Health minister Olivier Véran insisted that wearing a mask is still "recommended" in indoor spaces.
There have also been reports across Europe of delays at airports and mammoth queues as the sector struggles with returning demand.