US airlines operating transatlantic routes have lifted strict Covid mask rules after a court decision. Delta, American Airlines, United and Alaska Airlines said masks would no longer be compulsory on some international services after a Florida judge ruled that a 14-month-old mask mandate was unlawful.
Previously, US government officials had extended the mask ruling until May 3, but this caused several protests. The court decision means that the US government's Transport Security Administration (TSA) will no force passengers to wear masks on-board flights. However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends travellers continue to wear them.
The government said in a statement: “Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its security directives and emergency amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new security directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow (Tuesday).
