Wearing Masks No Longer Mandatory On Flights: Aviation Ministry

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India updated its guidelines for air travellers and said that wearing of face mask is no longer required for in-flight passengers on both domestic and international routes.

However, according to MoCA’s updated guidelines, all passengers should preferably wear masks/face covers, but there will be no fines or penalties for pax who do not wear masks during the flight.

It should be noted that until now, all passengers have been required to wear face masks or covers while travelling on flights and in airports.

Face Mask Not Mandatory on Flights

In a communication sent to scheduled airlines in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the latest decision was made in accordance with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.

“The in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use masks/face covers. Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.”

MoCA’s official statement reads.

The statement also reads, “consolidated COVID-19 instructions for domestic and international air travel issued for passengers, airport operators and airlines issued vide order dated 10.5.2022 stands modified to that extent.”