Forced mask on all air flights

The international body representing world airlines (IATA) has called for passengers to wear masks during flights, said today in a statement, following the intensifying of debates on how to restore air traffic, but also respect social distance measures.

The masking will help protect passenger health, according to the ITA, which has now spoken against the measure it initially supported, under which the middle seats in the travel order would remain empty.

ITA medical adviser David Powell told reporters that wearing masks and covering faces during flight would be part of a series of measures, including controlling passengers before flight to ensure that they had no fever, fever, but also strengthening hygienic procedures to keep air traffic established safely.

Airliness such as German or Hungarian Lufthansa have already announced an obligation for passengers to wear masks on board. In April, ITA General Director Alexander de Juniak estimated that leaving the seats free in the ranks would be a condition for continuing flights, but with today's statement, a setback was made, saying this would not contribute to passenger safety.

ITA economist Brian Pierce estimated that most airlines would not be able to earn money if a third of the seats were removed on the plane. / T CH