The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have updated their recommendations on air travel.
They are to withdraw their recommendation for travellers to wear masks in airports and on flights.
The new recommendations on the wearing of face masks are set to come into effect from May 16, 2022. However, rules for masks, in particular, will continue to vary by airline beyond that date.
EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said.
It is a relief to all of us that we are finally reaching a stage in the pandemic where we can start to relax the health safety measures,” said “For many passengers, and also aircrew members, there is a strong desire for masks to no longer be a mandatory part of air travel. We are now at the start of that process. Passengers should continue to comply with the requirements of their airline and, where preventive measures are optional, make responsible decisions and respect the choice of other passengers. In particular, a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”