Masks no more mandatory in planes and airports

New Delhi : Easing coronavirus restrictions, the European Union has removed the mandatory rule to wear masks inside the plane and airports. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have issued the official update on air travel.

The decision has been taken after reviewing the amount of coronavirus vaccinations across the globe and also naturally acquired immunity against the virus.

"From next week, face masks will no longer need to be mandatory in air travel in all cases, broadly aligning with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. “For passengers and air crews, this is a big step forward in the normalisation of air travel. Passengers should however behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. And a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby."

The new guidelines will come to effect from May 16, 2022 onwards. It must be noted that rules related to masks may vary from airline to airline.

Meanwhile, passengers have been advised to maintain social distance in closed spaces.