Qantas plans to allow passengers on some international flights without masks, although face coverings remain mandatory on domestic services.
Passengers will still have to wear masks on all flights, however, the AHPPC said it will issue more advice on this in the future.
Qantas plans to eliminate mask mandates on some international flights. (Chris Hopkins)
Qantas welcomed the AHPPC’s recommendation and called for the next step to be the removal of mask warrants on board flights.
“Global studies show that the risk of transmission inside aircraft cabins is very low because the air cools every few minutes, in addition to the front-facing seats and HEPA filters that capture 99 percent of the particles. in the air, “Qantas said in a statement.
“The Qantas Group intends to soon update our on-board mask policy for international flights to align with destination rules.”
Masks are no longer mandatory on flights to the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, and Qantas plans to lift the requirements to cover its face at these destinations.
However, mask mandates are different in each country, which means that travelers may need to wear a mask on one part of their trip, but not on another.
Masks will no longer be required at Australian terminals, but must be worn on flights. (Luis Enrique Ascui)
Qantas acknowledged that these variable mask rules can be confusing to customers, especially with connecting flights, and has called on governments for more consistency.
“We will continue to make masks available on board all of our flights and we appreciate that some customers will want to continue wearing them during their trip, regardless of applicable international standards,” Qantas said.
Qantas still demands that all international travelers show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 on flights.
The countries with the most triple vaccination on Earth