The decision by the German Federal Cabinet to extend and even tighten the current obligation to wear masks on all inbound and outbound flights was met with ‘sheer incomprehension’ by the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) this week.
Since then, the Federal Cabinet has backtracked on its decision, as a brand-new draft of local protection laws says it will no longer be a requirement for passengers to wear a mask on aircraft. However, the mandate could be reintroduced if COVID cases rise again, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach confirms.
“The international comparison shows Germany is completely on its own with this decision. In most other countries, wearing a mask is just merely recommended,” BARIG Secretary General Michael Hoppe had said of the proposed legislation to continue the mask mandate.
“As a consequence, Germany’s position in the air transport market would be put at a considerable disadvantage in international competition by such an unjustifiably strict regulation,” he added. “Passengers should be allowed to choose for themselves whether they want to wear an FFP2 or medical mask for their own protection when flying.”
The new draft law stipulates that while mask-wearing will be voluntary for air passengers, masks will still have to be worn on long-distance trains, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and clinics nationwide, according to The Local.
As it stands, Germany’s mask mandate for passengers on board all aircraft will return to its original expiry date of September 23.
