The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced Wednesday that face masks will not have to be worn in airports or on flights in Europe beginning next week.
The EU will no longer require masks for air travel.
Beginning May 16, face masks will no longer be required in airports and flights in Europe.
The change takes account of the high levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity across Europe and brings the sector in line with requirements from many national public transport authorities across Europe.
Patrick Ky, executive director of the EASA, said the change marks a big step forward in air travel, but urged passengers to be responsible and respect the choices of others around them.
One of the best ways to reduce transmission is to wear a mask and wash your hands, according to the director of the ECDC.
The agencies said flights to or from destinations with mandates still in place should encourage passengers to comply with those requirements after the new recommendations come into force.
The agencies said that vulnerable passengers should wear a face mask regardless of the rules.
The decision brings the air travel industry inline with a growing number of EU countries, including Italy, France and Sweden. The sector is in line with air travel in the U.S., where airlines have not needed to require masks since a federal judge found the CDC's mandate illegal. Many airlines lifted the requirements after the ruling, with some announcing the change to passengers mid-air. The ruling that struck down the mandate is being appealed by the Biden administration.
There were cheers and alarm as the U.S. mask mandate ended. The New York Times.
Despite the repeal of the mask mandate, comfort with U.S. air travel is high.
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