The EU Lifts Face Mask Recommendation for Air Travel
From today, the European Union has recommended that member countries drop face mask rules for flights and airports within the EU. However, many countries are opting to keep masking rules for passengers.
Broadly speaking, this means you will no longer be required to wear a mask from today, Monday, May 16. However, before you make any decisions, check your airline and destination’s policy because not everyone is on board with the EU’s recommendation.
Spain is continuing to enforce its mask mandate regardless of the EU’s guidance. The country’s health minister, Carolina Darias, emphasized that passengers should continue wearing face masks on board flights to and from Spain even after May 16. Moreover, Italy has stated that masks will be required on planes until June 15.
Other top European tourist destinations still have mask mandates in place and have not suggested any plans to drop them before Monday.
What is the EU Recommendation?
One month after the US ruled that face masks are no longer required onboard flights or in airport terminal buildings, the EU is following suit, saying that vaccination and immunity levels permit a relaxation of measures.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced that the recommendation to wear face masks in airport buildings and while on flights will no longer apply as of the middle of May.
“Face masks will no longer need to be mandatory in air travel in all cases, broadly aligning with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe,” said Patrick Ky, EASA executive director.
It’s important to note that these recommendations are not binding, meaning countries that still have mask mandates can choose to maintain them.
What Destinations are Keeping the Air Travel Mask Mandate?
Countries such as Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain will keep their mask mandates in place, even after the ECDC policy change next week.
If you’re traveling to or from any of these destinations, or boarding a domestic flight within them, you’ll need to have a mask. Typically, an FFP2, N95, or KN95 type mask is required.
What Other Countries Have Dropped Air Travel Face Mask Mandates?
France has dropped its mask mandate and announced that face coverings will no longer be required on trains, planes, and metros starting on May 16. Other EU and Schengen Area countries like Denmark, Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, and Norway have also lifted their transport mask requirements.
Outside of Europe, the US lifted its face mask mandate for airlines and flights in April after a federal court ruled the long-standing mandate unlawful. Although, the CDC continues to encourage people to wear masks on board planes, trains, and in airports for safety.
In March, the UK, no longer part of the EU, scrapped the face mask mandate in airports, yet they remain generally required on board flights.
Should We Still Wear Face Masks on Planes Anyway?
The necessity of wearing a mask depends on your destination and the airline you are flying with. You could be traveling to a location in Europe where the mask mandate has been lifted, yet your airline may still require one.
Furthermore, even if both your airline and destination have dropped the mandate, it doesn’t mean you cannot choose to wear a mask. EU officials have stated that “face masks are still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19.” Therefore, individuals who feel vulnerable, or exhibit symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, are encouraged to wear masks, particularly the more protective FFP2, N95, or KN95 types.
“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. A passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask for the reassurance of nearby seats,” Ky added.
Bottom Line
Always verify your airline and destination’s face mask policy prior to traveling. If we have learned anything during the pandemic, it’s that regulations are constantly evolving and circumstances can change with little notice.
