EU Removes Mask Requirement for Air Travel

Starting next week, the European Union will lift the requirement for face masks at airports and on flights as coronavirus restrictions are eased across the bloc, officials announced on Wednesday.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expressed hope that this unified decision, made alongside the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, will represent “a significant step toward the normalization of air travel” for both passengers and crew members.

The updated guideline considers recent developments in the pandemic, particularly vaccination rates and naturally acquired immunity, as well as the ongoing lifting of restrictions in an increasing number of European countries, according to a joint statement from the two agencies.

“Passengers are encouraged to act responsibly and to respect the preferences of those around them,” said EASA executive director Patrick Ky. “Additionally, anyone who is coughing or sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask to reassure those seated nearby.”

Although the new guidelines take effect on May 16, mask rules may still differ by airline for flights to or from destinations with varying regulations after that date.

Andrea Ammon, director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, emphasized the importance of continuing hand hygiene and social distancing. However, airport operators are advised not to enforce distancing measures if they are likely to cause congestion.

The agencies also suggested that airlines maintain systems for gathering passenger locator information on standby, in case it's needed in the future, such as if a new variant of concern arises.

The mask mandate for flights has been in effect for nearly two years, sometimes resulting in conflicts between passengers and airlines. For instance, last week, German airline Lufthansa prevented a large group of Jewish travelers from boarding a flight due to mask refusal. The airline has since issued an apology for the incident.

A recent decline in reported COVID-19 cases has led many European countries to ease pandemic-related restrictions.

On Wednesday, the German government announced it would disband a crisis task force that was established to manage the official response to the pandemic.

In a separate announcement on Wednesday, the French government declared that face masks will no longer be required on any public transport starting Monday.

Health Minister Olivier Veran stated after a cabinet meeting that this decision is part of broader policies aimed at easing most restrictions as the pandemic subsides in France.

This week, French authorities reported an average of 39,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases daily, reflecting a 30 percent decrease from the previous week. Hospital admissions have also been steadily declining in recent weeks.

Face masks will no longer be mandatory on metros, buses, trains, or domestic flights, although their use is still encouraged in hospitals and nursing homes, Veran noted.

France removed most coronavirus restrictions in March.