Brussels Airlines no longer requires passengers and cabin crew to wear mouth masks
As from 3 May, passengers and cabin crew will no longer be obliged to wear a mouth mask on board a Brussels Airlines flight. The airline decided this on Monday.
"The aircraft has always been a place with a very low risk of infections thanks to the advanced air filter systems. Now that the mouth mask has been abolished, we are taking another step towards 'normal' travel after the pandemic", the airline announced.
According to Brussels Airlines, both passengers and staff have been asking for the mouth mask to be dropped for some time.
"The experience at the airport is now being extended to the aircraft. Until now it was very inconsistent. At the airport you didn't have to wear a mask, but once you boarded our plane you suddenly did. That will now be abolished. It is simply more pleasant to fly without a mask than with one," a spokesperson told VRT NWS.
The airline points out that the mask may still be compulsory in foreign airports. Travellers should check the rules of the country of destination before departure.
Airline TUI also decided to no longer make the mouth mask mandatory on board, although it is still strongly recommended. This is also the government's advice to the airlines themselves. Because airlines do not fall under the regulations for public transport, they can decide for themselves whether mouth masks are compulsory or not.
(AHU)
© BELGA/AFP Photo Kenzo Tribouillard