Face mask rules are set to be relaxed on board flights to countries in the European Union following new recommendations from health officials.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has now given the green light to lifting face mask requirements from Monday, May 16.
Both bodies say that this decision has been made following the latest developments in the Covid pandemic.
They say that the risks from Covid has been lowered due to high levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity. Officials also noted a continued lifting of restrictions across Europe.
But they are continuing to urge people to wear a face mask on board flights wherever possible as it is “still one of the best protections against the transmission” of the virus.
It is hoped that the move will help relive the burden on the aviation industry as it continues to recover from the pandemic.
Holidaymakers will still be required to wear a face mask on board flights where airlines have asked them to. Travellers have also been urged to double check the rules at the destination they are flying to.
Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director, 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 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.
“Passengers should continue to comply with the requirements of their airline and, where preventive measures are optional, make responsible decisions and respect the choice of other passengers. In particular, a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”
A large number of Scots are expected to jet off to Europe to catch up on two years of missed holidays due to the Covid pandemic.
HM Passport Office has already seen a backlog of passengers applying for their vital travel documents in recent months.
The body said that it processed one million applications through in March - which is the largest number ever seen.
More than nine million passport applications are expected to be submitted by people in the UK this year.
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