London, Europe Brief News – Mandatory wearing of face masks in airports and on European flights is ‘no longer recommended.’
The move, announced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and ECDC, is due to come into force on 16 May.
The EASA said it hope the decision would mark “a big step forward in the normalisation of air travel”.
Both authorities have advised travellers that, despite the rule being lifted, face masks remain “one of the best protections” against COVID-19.
Vulnerable passengers have been told they should continue to wear a mask and people will be asked to observe social distancing in indoor areas.
However, airport operators have been advised not to impose any distancing measures if they are likely to lead to a bottleneck, ECDC director Andrea Ammon said.
When should I still wear a face mask on a plane?
“Passengers should however behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them,” EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said.
“And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control director Andrea Ammon said washing hands and social distancing should still be practised, but airport operators are advised not to impose distancing requirements if these are likely to lead to a bottleneck.
While many countries no longer require passengers to submit data through a passenger locator form, the agencies also said that airlines should keep their data collection systems on standby so they could make this information available to public health authorities if needed.
For example in the case where a new variant of concern emerged which was identified as potentially more dangerous.
