Mandatory face masks rules are set to be scrapped on board flights to countries in the European Union following an update from health officials.
From Monday May 16, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have been given the go ahead to lift mandatory face mask regulations.
This comes as both bodies noted that the risk of covid has been lowered due to the level of vaccinations and natural immunity.
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Currently, although face masks are not compulsory in Scotland, if you fly from Glasgow Airport to Spain, for example, you need to wear a face mask on board as face masks are still mandatory under EU aviation regulations.
From Monday, the mandatory rule for face masks on EU flights will lift and travellers will only be encouraged to continue to wearing masks.
But they must check the specific covid rules of the country they are visiting to be aware of the regulations. If in doubt, get in touch with your travel provider.
It must also be emphasised that some airlines still require their customers to wear face masks on board, so travellers must check the terms and conditions before jetting off.
This comes as countries around the EU are relaxing their entry requirements and covid rules for travellers ahead of the summer holidays.
Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director, said: “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.
“For many passengers, and also aircrew members, there is a strong desire for masks to no longer be a mandatory part of air travel. We are now at the start of that process.
“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. In particular, a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”
