Face masks no longer compulsory on flights, announces aviation ministry

New Delhi, Nov 17, 2022: The civil aviation ministry on Wednesday announced that the usage of masks is not mandatory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them amidst the declining number of coronavirus cases.

Until now, the use of masks or face covers while travelling on flights was compulsory.

The aviation ministry said the latest decision has been taken in line with the government’s initiative 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 mask/face covers,” the Ministry notified.

The ministry also communicated to the airlines that any specific fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements.

Latest official data reveal that the total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted was only 0.02 per cent of the total infections and the recovery rate for Covid-19 has increased to a whopping 98.79 per cent.