Not all is changing.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have recommended ending the rule that states that masks must be worn while travelling on a plane.
The
rule had been in effect throughout the entirety of the pandemic, but come 16 May, it will no longer apply. However, passengers will still have to comply with the policy of the airline they are travelling on.
And with that, Ryanair has confirmed which European countries you will still need to wear a mask on a plane to.
While it is only a recommendation and not confirmation, it is expected to be implemented and 15 European countries will still require masks to be worn.
The 15 destinations that Ryanair will continue to enforce face mask wearing are:
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson has said that the company will be welcoming the relaxation of this rule from next week.
He said: "From that date, face masks will be optional on all Ryanair flights except those flights to/from the 15 EU States where masks remain mandatory on public transport."
He also noted that it was anticipated that the countries listed will relax their rule in the near future.
The EASA's Executive Director Patrick Ky gave the updated recommendations in a
statement.
Mr Ky said: "It is a relief to all of us that we are finally reaching a stage in the pandemic where we can start to relax the health and safety measures.
"For many passengers, and also aircrew members, there is a strong desire for masks to no longer be a mandatory part of air travel. We are now at the start of that process.
"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."
He then said that passengers who have cold-like symptoms - sneezing, coughing etc. - should "strongly consider" wearing a mask still.
