Covid-19: Masks No Longer Compulsory On Flights, Says Aviation Ministry

The ministry in a statement to the scheduled airlines said that this decision was made in accordance with the government's policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

People wearing masks at the airport

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New Delhi: Amid the declining number of coronavirus cases, the Civil Aviation ministry on Wednesday said that using masks during air travel is not compulsory anymore, but passengers should preferably use them, said the central government as reported by news agency PTI. The ministry in a statement to the scheduled airlines said that this decision was made in accordance with the government's policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

Mask no more compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them: Govt

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 16, 2022

“… the in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” the communication said.

Additionally, it said that any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

According to the most recent official data, the number of active coronavirus cases in the nation constituted just 0.02 percent of all infections, and the recovery rate improved to 98.79 percent. 4,41,28,580 individuals have recovered from the illness, and the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.19 percent.

Earlier when COVID-19 was at its peak, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released a circular that read: “The airline shall make arrangements for extra face masks and provide them to passengers if required. The airline shall ensure that in case any passenger does not adhere to the above instructions even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure.” Violators of this could be barred from flying temporarily after being put on the 'no-fly list', according to the order of the Delhi High Court.

(With inputs from PTI)