The mask mandate for passengers on board European flights and in airports is being dropped from next Monday.

However, mask rules will vary by airline, particularly on flights to or from a destination where mask-wearing is still required on public transport, and vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask, authorities have advised.

It follows the issuing of a new update to the health and safety measures for air travel by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). They noted that while a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of Covid-19, the recommendation for the mandatory wearing of medical masks in airports and on board a flight is being dropped from May 16.

The update of the joint Aviation Health Safety Protocol takes account of the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular the levels of vaccination and naturally-acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in more European countries, they said.