Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro
(Picture: PA)EasyJet has announced an end to mandatory mask wearing for selected flights, the airline announced on Tuesday.
In a statement, easyJet said masks would no longer be mandatory for flights where it is not required at both ends of the journey.
This means for flights between the UK and Denmark, Gibraltar, Iceland, Hungary, and domestic flights including Jersey, customers and crew will no longer be required to wear masks, although routes to and from Scotland will be excluded.
The end of the mandatory requirement will come into force on March 27, although customers who wish to wear a face covering will be able to do so.
A statement from easyJet read: “As a pan European airline operating between over 30 countries, we must continue to ensure that we and our customers follow the legal requirements of all the countries we fly to.
“We urge European governments to have a coordinated approach on the removal of the requirement where possible, to make it easy and clear for customers.
“We will aim to provide clear information to customers, including while onboard, detailing the specific mask requirements on their flight.”
Last week, British Airways announced an end to mandatory mask wearing if the destination does not require it, in line with the Government’s move to scrap all remaining travel measures.
Jason Mahoney, British Airways’ chief operating officer said: “As an international airline, we fly to a large number of countries around the world, all of which have their own local restrictions and legal requirements.
“For destinations where the wearing of a face covering is not mandated, our customers are able to make a personal choice, and we kindly request everyone respects each other’s preferences.”
Virgin Atlantic said it would gradually lift rules from March 16 beginning with Caribbean flights from London and Manchester.
Heathrow Airport also scrapped mandatory face mask rules for passengers, although it will recommend that travellers still wear face coverings.
Heathrow’s chief operating officer, Emma Gilthorpe said: “While we still recommend wearing them, we can be confident the investments we’ve made in Covid-secure measures - some of which aren’t always visible - combined with the fantastic protection provided by the vaccine will continue to keep people safe while travelling."
As of March 18 the final Covid restrictions, including passenger locator forms as well as tests for unvaccinated travellers, were removed as the Government moved ahead with its ‘Living with Covid Plan’.
