European Flyers Go Mask-Less

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European CDC recently discontinued the recommendation for the mandatory wearing of medical masks in airports and onboard flights.

The update of the joint Aviation Health Safety Protocol takes account of the latest developments in the pandemic, particularly the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity.

“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 in a media statement issued on May 11, 2022.

“For passengers and aircrews, this is a big step forward in normalization 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 to reassure those seated nearby.”

However, rules for masks, particularly, will continue to vary by airline and country after May 16, 2022.

For example, the Italian government confirmed its mask-wearing rules would remain active until June 15th, reported Corriere della Sera.

In the U.S., the CDC's Dr. Rochelle Walensky commented on May 3, 2022, 'the CDC continues to recommend that all people—passengers and workers, alike—properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs to protect themselves and other travelers in these high volume, mixed population settings."

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