German Air Traffic Industry Adjusts Mandatory Mask-wearing Requirement with Effect from Feb. 1

As hereby communicated by the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), the association of national and international airlines in Germany, the German air traffic industry adjusts the rules regarding compulsory mask wearing. This means that as of Feb. 1, all passengers, including children as from six years, at German airports as well as onboard the respective aircraft are obliged to wear medical face masks.

Permitted are both surgical as well as FFP2 masks, more specifically masks complying with the standard KN95/N95. A simple cloth face covering is no longer sufficient. Furthermore, visors, masks with an outlet valve as well as basic means of oronasal covering such as scarfs for example continue to be prohibited.

The adjusted mandatory mask-wearing requirement is applicable in all passenger areas at German airports as well as onboard of aircraft of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Condor, Eurowings, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and TUIfly. The obligation applies to both departing and arriving flights to Germany. The masks are to be provided by the passengers themselves.

BARIG is currently in close consultation with its international member airlines regarding the implementation of the respective requirement.