Heathrow Airport in London cancels mandatory mask

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Heathrow Airport, the largest in the UK, no longer requires the use of masks by its passengers in stations, railway stations and office buildings, and as of today it is only a recommendation.

The United Kingdom scrapped the mandatory requirement to wear masks at the end of last January, which are no longer required by law on public transport and in shops in the country, although Heathrow Airport, which operates a large number of international services, has maintained compliance until this week. .

“As we continue to recommend its use, we can rest assured that the investments we have made in anti-Covid measures, some of which are not always visible, along with the impressive protection afforded by a vaccine, will continue to keep travelers safe.” He noted, Responsible COO, Emma Gilthorpe. From Friday, all travelers will be able to. Enter the UK without having to fill in a passenger locator or take a COVID-19 test.

Heathrow also indicated that if there was a significant rise in casualties or a new type of concern emerged, the airport would not hesitate to reintroduce the rule. The masks will continue Available for those who want to take itF reports.

Airlines

Airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the latest airlines to loosen their policies about this standard. Passengers are still required to wear masks On flights if the destination country requires its use.

Virgin Atlantic has indicated that it will change its policy starting today On the use of masks, from now on a personal choice for its customers and crew on board. This airline has indicated that this will only happen on services to which international regulations do not apply in relation to this requirement, such as on flights between Heathrow and Manchester and destinations in the Caribbean, such as Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.

Passengers will be required to wear a mask On boarding and off the plane and at destination airports While on the roads to and from the US, masks will remain in effect until at least April 8.

In the case of British Airways, from today, its customers will only have to wear a mask on flights if the destination they want to go to requires it. Jason Mahoney, BA’s Chief of Operations, described the move as a “step forward”.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has indicated he’d like to see a file End of this mandatory requirement by April or May While at the start of the month, tour operator Jet2 had already relaxed its rules on the use of masks on flights to and from England and Northern Ireland.