The wearing of masks on flights and at airports is no longer mandatory for passengers traveling to and within the European Union region, according to a new decision by aviation and health authorities.
The mandate was lifted on May 16 following an earlier announcement by the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The updated guidance takes into account the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic, “in particular the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries,” the EASA said.
However, the agency noted that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the spread of COVID -19.
EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky called the move "a big step forward" for passengers and aircrew in normalizing 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 ECDC’s Director Andrea Ammon said “while risks do remain, we have seen that non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal.”
The lifting of the mask requirement is expected to help the European aviation and tourism industry, which has been hit hard by COVID-related travel restrictions over the past two years.
Many people have refrained from traveling due to COVID requirements such as testing, vaccinations, passenger locator forms, and wearing masks on board.
In recent months, many countries have scrapped these requirements, arguing that a large portion of their populations are fully vaccinated and boosted.
Rules may vary by airline
despite the new update to the mask requirement, airlines can still decide whether to recommend or require the wearing of masks on board.
"Rules for masks in particular will continue to vary by airline beyond that date. For example, flights to or from a destination where mask-wearing is still required on public transport should continue to encourage mask wearing, according to the recommendations. Vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules," the agency said.
The EASA also encouraged passengers to observe physical distance measures wherever possible indoors, including at airports.
"But airport operators should adopt a pragmatic approach to this: for example, they should avoid imposing distancing requirements if these will very likely lead to a bottleneck in another location in the passenger journey, especially if they are not required at national or regional level in other similar settings," it explained.
EU Commission to end COVID-19 aid scheme
In another development that points to an improvement in the pandemic situation in Europe, the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, said on May 12 that it will gradually end the relaxed COVID -19 state aid scheme.
The so-called State Aid COVID Temporary Framework was adopted in March 2020 and allowed the 27 EU member states to benefit from additional public support during the pandemic.
As reported by AP, the decision was made due to the improving economic situation in the region and the easing of restrictions put in place to contain the spread of the virus.
The mechanism won't be extended beyond June 30. However, the commission said the phase-out will be gradual so that companies aren't suddenly cut off from support.
According to AP, the EU adopted a multi-billion euro rescue package during the pandemic and member countries agreed on a 1.8 trillion euro recovery plan and a long-term budget for the 2021-2027.
