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The EU has lifted its mask rule for flights – but these countries are keeping them

Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain are among the countries still enforcing face coverings on planes and in airports

Ed Cunningham
Written by
Ed Cunningham
News Editor, UK
Face mask on plane
Photograph: Shutterstock
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As of yesterday (May 16), the EU mandate enforcing face masks at airports and on airplanes came to an end. Which, to many, will make planes a much easier, more comfortable mode of travel.

However, it’s worth noting that while the EU mandate on mask-wearing has ended across the bloc, each member country can still enforce their own mask rules. And plenty of countries are sticking with face coverings on flights.

So which EU countries are still keeping masks? Well, so far Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain have all said masks will remain obligatory on flights. Which amounts to quite a few countries – including some notable holiday destinations.  

In other words, mask-wearing isn’t over yet. Be sure to check your destination country’s rules before you fly.

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