Do you think face masks should remain mandatory onboard commercial flights?
This week, the Mexican government dropped the mandatory face mask mandate onboard aircraft and inside local airports. The local airlines have celebrated the measure and informed their passengers they can now employ a face mask only if they want to.
On Wednesday, the use of face masks became optional onboard flights operated by Mexican carriers, according to the latest update released by the country’s Health and Civil Aviation authorities. Both passengers and crew have the option to use their face masks or not.
Despite Mexico not having any travel restrictions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the country did impose the mandatory mask requirement in closed spaces, such as airports and aircraft. Now, Mexico has become one of the last countries to lift this requirement, much to the joy of many travelers, but also worrying other passengers who may feel wary about seeing a plane full of unmasked people.
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Mexico’s civil aviation authorities released a statement saying that the airport facilities are large and sufficiently ventilated spaces and commercial airliners use a high-efficiency filtration system (HEPA) that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, therefore, the use of masks was no longer mandatory. Nonetheless, “in cases in which a person or group of persons have any symptoms related to COVID-19 or respiratory diseases, they should recommend the use of face masks.”
Shortly after the announcement by the Mexican authorities, the local carriers reacted. They released statements and posts on social media informing the passengers about the changes in face mask requirements.
Volaris, the ultra-low-cost carrier, sent a statement in which it listed the countries it flies to and what the requirements are. In all the destinations in Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru, the use of face masks is no longer mandatory in airports or onboard planes. Meanwhile, the use of face mask in airports remains mandatory for travelers arriving in Colombia and Honduras.
Meanwhile, Viva Aerobus said on social media “we want to see you smile! Starting today, you decide if you use or not your face mask in our flights and throughout Mexican airports. For international flights, we will follow the rules of the country of destination.”
Mexican travelers have had mixed reactions to the latest policy change. Some argue that removing the face masks was long overdue, while others say that it couldn’t have come at a worse time, just before a possible fifth COVID-19 wave begins in the country. Mexico has been one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic. It is in the top-five of countries with the largest amount of deaths, with over 330,000 in the last two and a half years.
What do you think about this measure? Do you think face masks should remain mandatory onboard commercial flights? Let us know in the comments below.
Lead Journalist - South America - Daniel comes to Simple Flying with many years of aviation journalism experience, having worked with Mexican publication A21, Roads & Kingdoms, El Economista and more. His degree in journalism allows him to form beautifully crafted and insightful pieces. His specialist knowledge of Latin American airlines and close relationship with the likes of Aeromexico, Avianca, Volaris brings depth to our coverage in the region. Based in Mexico City, Mexico.
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