Face masks no longer mandatory in-flight or at airports, EU aviation authority says

New EU recommendations on face masks are set to come into effect from May 16, 2022, although rules for masks will continue to vary by airline beyond that date

Face masks will no longer be mandatory at airports or onboard a flight, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have stated in an update to the health safety measures for air travel.

Noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of Covid-19, the update of the joint Aviation Health Safety Protocol takes into account the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries.

In addition to the changes in the rules for face masks, the aviation authority has recommended the relaxation of the more stringent measures on air operations, which is expected to ease the burden on the industry while still maintaining appropriate measures.