EU authorities are relaxing the mask requirement on planes – Germany is not for the time being

Created: 05/12/2022Updated: 05/12/2022 05:23

By: Patrick Huljina

The mask requirement in Germany has now been lifted in several areas.

However, it continues to apply on the plane – despite a new recommendation from EU authorities.

Cologne – The corona situation in Europe seems to be easing further.

The responsible EU authorities are therefore relaxing their recommendations for corona protection in air traffic.

Among other things, as of Monday (May 16), a general recommendation for masks to be worn in airports and airplanes will no longer apply.

This was announced by the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA and the EU health authority ECDC on Wednesday (May 11) in a statement.

Corona: EU authorities are relaxing the recommendation for masks to be worn in air traffic

The reason for the easing is the latest developments in the corona pandemic.

These include the number of vaccinations, the immunity created by infections and the associated lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries.

But the mask requirement in air traffic will not be automatically lifted throughout the EU.

If there is a government obligation to wear masks on public transport at the point of departure or at the destination, this should continue to apply on board the aircraft, according to the recommendation.

In Germany, for the time being, the general obligation to wear masks on airplanes will remain.

Germany: Masks are still compulsory on planes

When asked by dpa, the Federal Ministry of Health explained that the national authorities decide on the obligation to wear masks.

It therefore continues to apply to all domestic German routes and flights that take off or land in Germany.

Accordingly, FFP2 masks or medical masks must be worn when boarding and disembarking and throughout the flight.

They may only be removed when eating and drinking.

Children under the age of six are exempt from the obligation.

The nationwide mask requirement on airplanes - and also on long-distance trains - is initially laid down in the Infection Protection Act until September 23rd.

The federal states can make masks compulsory in local public transport.

In neighboring France, the mask requirement on public transport will end early next week, Health Minister Olivier Véran said.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to continue to wear a mask.

The EU authorities EASA and ECDC are relaxing their recommendation for masks to be worn on planes.

(Iconic image) © Charlie Riedel/dpa

Mask requirement on the plane: German aviation calls on the federal government to act

Aviation welcomed the new recommendations from the EU authorities.

The Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry demanded that the federal government should take this as an opportunity and now lift the mask requirement on board aircraft.

Other countries have already dropped travel requirements and the obligation to wear a mask.

A Lufthansa spokeswoman said: "It is time to rely on voluntariness, as is now the norm in other areas of daily life, such as in the supermarket or restaurant." In the aircraft, the cabin air would constantly be treated with highly efficient filters cleaned.

EASA boss Patrick Ky said in the announcement that the end of the mask requirement for passengers and crews is a big step towards normalizing air traffic.

At the same time, however, the two EU authorities emphasized that wearing a mouth and nose protector is still one of the best corona protection measures.

One should "act responsibly and respect the decisions of other passengers," Ky said.