Wearing a mask is no longer required on flights travelling to Australia as of midnight last night.
The Minister for Health, Mark Butler, announced the requirement would be removed yesterday based on advise from the Chief Medical Officer.
The news follows last week’s national cabinet decision to drop mask requirements on domestic flights which also came into effect today.
The department of health is still encouraging travellers to wear a mask to reduce their personal risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, however, it is no longer mandatory.
Airline passengers have been required to wear masks on flights to Australia since January 2021.
“I encourage everyone travelling overseas to be mindful of the continuing risk of COVID-19 and to take personal precautions to stop the spread and stay safe,” Butler said, upon making the announcement.
The Minister for Transport Catherine King acknowledged the role of workers across the airline industry in helping to keep Australians safe.
“The Australian Government is grateful to workers across the international airline industry and the travelling public for their commitment to the public health requirements throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
“Your efforts have kept us all safer.”
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