The wearing of face masks in airports and on European flights is “no longer recommended”, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said.

The move, announced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and ECDC, is due to come into force on 16 May.

Both authorities have advised travellers that, despite the rule being lifted, face masks remain “one of the best protections” against COVID-19.

Vulnerable passengers have been told they should continue to wear a mask and people will be asked to observe distancing measures in indoor areas.

“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,” EASA executive director Patrick Ky said.

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