The EU updated its stance on the wearing of masks onboard aircraft last week, with the new guidance coming into effect on Monday (16 May).

It mirrors changes in Covid guidance on public transport across the continent, and some member states’ unilateral decisions to ease their domestic Covid measures.

Greece, Spain, Italy and Germany are among those opting to retain mask mandates, along with Portugal, Cyprus, Malta and the Netherlands, among others.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) is recommending travellers wear FFP2 standard masks where required by member states.

In its updated guidance, drafted with input from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Easa said the wearing of face coverings at airports and while in-flight "should be aligned with national measures on wearing masks in public and transport hubs".

"If either the departure or destination states require the wearing of face masks on public transport, aircraft operators should require passengers and crew to comply with those requirements in-flight beyond 16 May 2022," said Easa and the ECDC in a joint statement.

"Further, as of 16 May 2022, aircraft operators, during their pre-flight communications as well as during the flight, should continue to encourage their passengers and crew members to wear face masks during the flight as well as in the airport, even when wearing a face mask is not required."

Additionally, member states have been urged to ensure any travel-related measures are communicated in an effective, timely and well-coordinated manner to avoid being imposed unilaterally.

"Experience during the past two years has demonstrated that coordination and communication of measures are essential to ensure optimal implementation and de-escalation of measures," said Easa and the ECDC.