Global travel industry bid to end mask mandate

Australian airports have joined international airlines in demanding an end to face mask mandates for travellers.

The powerful International Air Transport Association is lobbying governments to relax face mask mandates on flights and in airports, to help with the travel recovery. Picture: Getty Images

The head of the powerful International Air Transport Association has revealed a global push is under way to scrap mask mandates at airports and on aeroplanes.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said there was no scientific research to support the wearing of masks on planes and at airports, and the requirement was only creating confusion for travellers.

“If you don’t have to wear a face mask on a train, on a bus, in a store, walking down the street, you should not have to wear one on an aeroplane,” Mr Walsh said.

“We’re pushing hard for the mandatory requirement for face masks to be removed on the basis the scientific evidence that is there is very strong showing that the environment on board the aircraft is safer than pretty much anywhere else you’re likely to be.”

In Australia, the national cabinet agreed to mandate the wearing of face masks in airports and on domestic commercial flights on January 8 last year.

Masks are also required in international airports and on flights into Australia.

Australian Airports Association CEO James Goodwin said as the community increasingly lived with Covid, the requirement for masks needed to be reviewed.

“We need to do all we can to increase people’s confidence to fly, but the continuing requirement to wear a face mask within the terminal suggests it is somehow not as safe as a shopping centre,” Mr Goodwin said.

“Travellers are sensible people and if they want to wear a mask the decision should be left to them.”

Qantas and Virgin Australia continued to support the wearing of masks on flights as long as it was required by the government.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said measures under the Biosecurity Act, including the wearing of masks at airports and on flights, were regularly reviewed. “These reviews are informed by the specialist advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and the chief medical officer,” she said.

Board of Airline Representatives of Australia executive director Barry Abrams said until all Covid restrictions were relaxed or simplified, international travel would struggle to recover to even 30 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Originally published as Global travel industry bid to end mask mandate