EU drops mask mandate for flights and airports
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Masks were required for pilots as well. A first officer wearing a face mask while conducting preflight inspections on board an aircraft carrying passengers operated by Wizz Air in Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc Airport, Hungary.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
After an update to the guidelines for aviation, the European Union has decided to remove its mandate to passengers flying on planes and at airports.
Last week’s recommendation to require the wearing of medical masks at airports and onboard flights was lifted by the EU’s Aviation Safety Agency and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. They also noted that facial masks still offer the greatest protection against Covid-19.
The updated guidance takes into account 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 EASA said in a statement.
Patrick Ky, EASA executive director, said that the move was a major step forward. It also aligns well with EU public transport regulations.
This is an important step towards normalizing air travel for both passengers and crews. However, passengers should behave responsibly and be respectful of the decisions made by others. A passenger with a cough or sneezing problem should consider wearing a mask to protect their face and provide comfort for those sitting nearby.
Andrea Ammon, Director of the ECDC, stated that while there are still risks, “we have observed that non-pharmaceutical intervention and vaccines have enabled our lives to start to return to normal.”
The removal of mandatory mask-wearing is expected to be an improvement in tourism and aviation. This has happened because a large number of tourists and travelers have put off traveling while they were subject to additional Covid requirements.
Numerous countries no longer require Covid testing for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.
Airlines may have different rules
Individual airlines may still recommend that masks be worn onboard the EASA, but rules will likely continue to differ from airline to airline after Monday.
The recommendations state that mask-wearing should not be discouraged on flight to or from any destination where public transport requires it. EASA recommended that all passengers, including vulnerable ones, continue to use a mask regardless of any rules. It also suggested that social distancing in airport indoors be encouraged.
There are new Covid strains constantly emerging and some areas still experience large Covid epidemics. Officials from the health sector have asked governments not to be too cautious as a new strain of Covid could emerge that is more dangerous and virulent than the previous.
“New VOCs [variants of concern]”A variety of immune escapes and severe symptoms are often found,” stated the EASA. It stated that passengers, staff and crew should pay attention to any recommendations or requirements made by the authorities in the country where they’re visiting.
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