It was announced yesterday that face mask rules are set to be relaxed on board flights to countries in Europe.
Experts at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommended that face mask requirements are removed inside planes from next Monday.
They came to the decision as the Covid situation across Europe continues to improve.
Here is what four of the UK’s major airlines are doing in response to the revised guidance.
Ryanair
Face masks will no longer be mandatory on Ryanair flights to a number of EU countries, the airline has confirmed.
In a statement, the budget airline welcomed the move and will remove the requirement for passengers to wear a face covering on board flights to several destinations.
Face coverings will still be required on flights heading to 15 EU states where the rule remains law on public transport.
These include the likes of Spain, France, Portugal and Italy.
Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said: “We welcome this rule relaxation from the EASA and the ECDC effective from Monday, May 16.
“From that date, face masks will be optional on all Ryanair flights, except those flights to and from the 15 EU states where masks remain mandatory on public transport.
“We expect these states to relax their face mask rules over the coming days in line with these new health guidelines from EASA and the ECDC.
“Intending passengers can check the latest EU face mask regulations on the Re-Open EU website.”
EasyJet
EasyJet has removed the requirement to wear a face covering on flights where the mandate has been dropped in countries at the start and end of the journey.
The firm said that it has welcomed the decision made by the EASA and the ECDC yesterday.
A spokesperson for EasyJet said: “We welcome this guidance from EASA and the ECDC and continue to urge European governments to have a co-ordinated approach in removing mask requirements onboard aircraft, to make it easy and clear for customers.
“On flights where masks are no longer legally required at both ends of the route, we do not require customers and crew to wear masks onboard and we are progressively removing the requirement where countries at both ends of a route no longer legally mandate this.
“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. This means when flying to or from countries where mask requirements remain in place, we will follow the relevant legal requirement and we continue to provide information to customers detailing the specific mask requirements on their flight.”
TUI
TUI has said that the face mask mandate on board its flights has been removed on journeys to all destinations - apart from Italy.
But they have continued to urge flyers to wear one throughout the flight whenever possible.
Passengers may have to wear a face covering when inside the airport or at their arrival destination.
A notice on the company’s website states: “Face masks will no longer be a legal requirement on TUI Airways flights to/from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, however in line with UK government and EU Charter guidance, we strongly recommend that you still wear a mask throughout your flight.
“It’s important to note that you may still be required to wear a mask when leaving the aircraft and once inside the airport at your arrival destination.
“It is mandatory for all customers aged six and over travelling to Italy on TUI Airways to wear an FFP2 mask throughout their flight. Please remember to carry evidence if you are medically exempt.”
Jet2
Jet2 has removed the legal requirement to wear a face mask at their airports and onboard planes.
They have continued to recommend that passengers wear a mask whenever possible. The firm has also reminded customers that they might have to wear one when they get to their overseas destination.
Jet2’s guidance adds: “You might need to wear a mask when you leave the plane, inside the airport and onboard our transfers to and from your accommodation, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
“There may also be additional face mask restrictions in some places, and the rules around ages may differ per destination too.
“If you fail to wear a face mask in some destinations, you could face a fine from the local authorities.”
