EU officials say the bloc will no longer require the wearing of masks at airports and planes starting next week amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions
EU officials say the bloc will no longer require the wearing of masks at airports and planes starting next week amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions
Officials said on May 11 that the EU would no longer require the wearing of masks at airports and on planes starting next week.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it hoped the joint decision made with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control would mark a “major step in the normalization of air travel” for passengers and crew.
The new guideline “takes into account the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular, vaccination levels and naturally acquired immunity, and the lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries,” the two agencies said in a joint statement.
“Passengers however should behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them,” said EASA executive director Patrick Q. “And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask for the reassurance of those sitting nearby.”
While the new recommendations take effect on May 16, the rules for masks may still vary by airline beyond that date if they fly to or from destinations where the rules are different.
Andrea Ammon, director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said hand-washing and social distancing should still be practiced, but advised airport operators to comply with the requirements if it is likely to cause a bottleneck. Do not apply
The agencies also recommended that airlines put in place systems to collect passenger locator information if needed in the future, for example, if a new dangerous variant emerges.