COVID-19: 'Wearing masks on flight no longer compulsory, but is advisable,' says Government

New Delhi: The civil aviation ministry on Wednesday said the use of masks is not mandatory during air travel; however, passengers should preferably use them amid the declining number of COVID-19 cases. Until recently, wearing a mask or facial cover while flying was compulsory.

In a communication to the scheduled airlines, the ministry said the latest decision has been taken in accordance with the government’s policy of a graded approach to coronavirus 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 government communication said.

Additionally, it stated that any specific reference of a fine or other penalty was not required to be made during in-flight announcements.

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 increased to 98.79 per cent, according to the latest official data.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,28,580 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

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