Airlines have issued an update following the news that face masks will no longer be mandatory on flights in the European Union.
Mandatory face masks rules are set to be scrapped on board flights to countries in the European Union following an update from health officials. Passengers will have the option to wear them.
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.
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This comes as both bodies noted that the risk of covid has been lowered due to the level of vaccinations and natural immunity.
Ryanair was one of the first airlines to announce they are changing their policy next week, as previously, their website stated it was mandatory to wear face masks on their flights.
Here are the face mask rules and updates as of May 12, from Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2.com.
Ryanair
The budget airline have announced that from Monday May 16, their face masks policy is changing.
Ryanair have confirmed that face masks will no longer be mandatory on EU flights or in EU airports from Monday with the exception only of flights to/from destinations where EU governments still require mandatory mask wearing on public transport.
The countries that still require mandatory face mask wearing on flights are as followed;
- Austria
- Latvia
- Cyprus
- Lithuania
- Czech
- Luxemburg
- Estonia
- Malta
- France
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Portugal
- Greece
- Spain
- Italy
This means face masks will have to be worn to/from those countries.
Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said: “We welcome this rule relaxation from EASA and the ECDC effective from Monday May 16 next. From that date, face masks will be optional on all Ryanair flights except those flights to/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.”
British Airways
British Airways have confirmed that if the destination allows it, face masks on flights will be optional.
Taking to Twitter, BA announced: "From March 16, our face mask policy is changing. Where we’re clear the destination you’re travelling to doesn’t require a face mask on board, it will become optional. Please continue to respect fellow passengers' mask preferences in these instances."
British Airways also provides this guide to when face masks are needed in airports and on board flights.
easyJet
EasyJet allows passengers the choice to wear a face mask on a number of routes, but only if the destination allows it. Passengers should check the covid rules of the destination they are visiting. If it is mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport, face masks will needed to be worn on the flight.
On their website, they state: "Many of the countries we fly to still require that masks are worn, and you may need one at the airport, at the gate and during your flight. Masks are only optional on a small number of our routes."
Jet2
According to Jet2, customers don't need to wear a face mask on board their flights.
They state on their website: "It’s no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask at our airports or onboard our planes. However, as per UK Government guidance, we recommend that you continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and you might need to wear one when you get to your overseas destination."
TUI
Holiday provider TUI point out that for flights within the UK, face masks are no longer a legal requirement. However, when travelling to certain areas in the EU, mandatory rules apply. The list regarding these countries can be found above.
TUI 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."
