With effect from Monday, May 16, face masks will no longer be required on flights or in airports in EU countries. The move comes in time for the hot summer months when wearing a face mask becomes truly uncomfortable. Meanwhile, according to the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the change comes in line with changing COVID-19 policies on public transport across Europe

Changes to mask mandate

In April, some US airlines took the same step after a federal judge threw out the government’s mask mandate. However, EASA did say that rules for face coverings will continue to vary by airline.

EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said that from next week, masks will no longer be mandatory in air travel across all cases. He said this broadly aligns with the changing requirements of national authorities across the EU for public transport.

“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,” Ky added.

Reducing COVID transmission

Reuters reports that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) gave cautionary advice relating to the new guidance. ECDC director Andrea Ammon said that while face mask-wearing will no longer be compulsory, it is important to note that face coverings, together with physical distancing and good hand hygiene, are among the best methods for reducing transmission.

However, both EASA and ECDC have said that on flights arriving at, or departing from, places where masks are still compulsory on public transport, airlines should still encourage passengers to wear them.

In a statement, the ECDC said, ”Further, as of 16 May 2022, aircraft operators, during their pre-flight communications as well as during the flight, should continue to encourage their passengers and crew members to wear face coverings during the flight as well as in the airport, even when wearing a face mask is not required.”

Some airlines have already dropped mask requirements

Meanwhile, some airlines heading to and from the United Kingdom have already dropped face mask requirements for destinations that do not require it. Ryanair has said that, in line with the EASA guidance, it will drop mandatory mask-wearing on EU flights from Monday.

Budget airline EasyJet had already made changes in March. On its planes, masks are no longer legally required at either end of the route. However, they made it clear that wearing a mask would be a personal choice.

In a statement, an EasyJet spokesperson said that they welcome the new guidance from EASA and the ECDC. However, they continue to urge European governments to take a coordinated approach when dropping face mask requirements onboard aircraft. The spokesperson noted that this would make things easier and clearer for passengers.

Currently, mask-wearing in public places varies from country to country in the EU. For instance, in Spain, masks are no longer required in outdoor or indoor public spaces. The only exceptions are when visiting pharmacies, care homes, medical facilities and on public transport.

Meanwhile, according to France 24, France will drop the mask requirement on public transport from Monday, May 16. After the latest news, individual countries within the EU will be discussing whether to drop the mask mandate.