Mandatory masks scrapped for domestic flights

It’s something Aussies travellers have been waiting to hear for a while and in just one week, they will no longer have to put up with one mandatory rule.

There’s good news for Aussie travellers.

As of September 9, passengers flying on Qantas, Virgin Australia, Rex and other domestic airlines no longer have to wear a face mask.

After meeting yesterday, Australia’s National Cabinet said the mask mandate had served its purpose but now it’s time to move on.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with state and territory leaders agreed to ditch the mask rule on Wednesday for those flying within Australia.

Face masks became mandatory on domestic flights back in August 2021. But the change means that from Friday, September 9, passengers no longer have to wear masks.

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As of Friday, September 9, the mandatory mask rule will be scrapped for domestic flights.

As of June this year, Australian airports declared masks optional, while the same month, Qantas lifted its in-flight mask requirements for outbound international routes where masks are not required by the government of the destination.

It means you no longer have to wear a mask on a non-stop flight from NSW, Queensland and Western Australia to the US, UK and Europe (Rome).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese together with Premiers and Chief Ministers of states and territories agreed to ditch the mask rule for those flying within Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Likewise, Singapore Airlines no longer requires face masks to be worn “unless they are travelling to or from destinations that require a face mask,” while masks are now optional rather than mandatory at Changi Airport and its lounges, according to the airline’s website.

However, the Albanese Government is yet to confirm if the same rules apply to inbound international flights.

As of June this year, Australian airports declared masks optional. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

Currently, all international passengers flying into Australia are required to wear a mask.

Meanwhile, Japan has confirmed plans to boost its entry numbers and allow self-guided travel from September 7.

The popular tourist destination had previously flagged in May that it would open its borders in line with other G7 nations.

Japan also recently announced it would remove the requirement for pre-trip and PCR tests upon arrival.

There is no update yet on whether visas will be needed in advance or if trips must be booked with a licensed tour operator.