The European Union has announced (via a joint statement from the EU Aviation Safety Agency and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) that from next week masks will not be required either on planes or at airports throughout the bloc. Which makes things simpler for travellers flying within, into or out of the Continent.
The EU cites high vaccination levels and increasing numbers of people with naturally acquired immunity as the main reasons behind the change. The new rules are set to come into effect next Monday, May 16.
Now, of course, this still does not mean that all flights will be mask-free. Lots of countries still mandate mask-wearing on flights. The new rules will apply only to flights in the EU, as well as flights coming into and out of the bloc from countries that also have more lax mask rules. like the UK and USA.
It’s also worth noting that airlines can still enforce their own rules for mask-wearing, so it’s always best to check before you travel. But in any case, travelling in Europe looks like it’s going to get just that little bit simpler. Yippee.
From Mon May 16.
