EU TO DROP MASK REQUIREMENT
FOR AIRPORTS AND FLIGHTS

Passengers will no longer need to wear face masks in airports or on flights in Europe from 16th May. 

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) made a joint announcement on the easing of Covid-19 measures for air travel on 11th May. 

The new recommendations will come into effect on 16th May however the statement does say that rules for masks will “continue to vary by airline beyond that date”. For example, it says that mask-wearing should be encouraged when flying to or from a destination where it is required on public transport.

The release also recommends that vulnerable passengers should continue to wear face coverings, as well as those who are coughing and sneezing “for the reassurance of those seated nearby”.

Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director 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. 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.”

For travel to Europe, get in contact with a member of the CT Business Travel team. Call us on 01892 616122 or enquire here.