Masks In Australian Airports: Are They Still Mandatory?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a lot of changes in the way we travel, with face masks being one of the most visible. In Australia, the rules regarding masks have evolved over time and across states, with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommending face masks be worn in airport terminals from the early days of the pandemic in 2020. While the AHPPC has since recommended that masks no longer be required in airport terminals, masks are still mandatory on flights to and from Australia.

Face masks are mandatory on all domestic flights within Australia

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has implemented several measures to curb the spread of the virus. One of these measures is the mandatory use of face masks on all domestic flights within the country. This mandate was put into place by the National Cabinet in January 2021 and has been consistently applied nationwide. Passengers and staff must wear masks not only during the flight but also in all Australian airports, including airport lounges. Children under 12 years old are exempt from this requirement, as are individuals with valid medical exemptions. Masks may be removed briefly when eating or drinking but must be worn at all other times.

The decision to make masks mandatory on domestic flights was made to reduce the geographical spread of COVID-19. The highly contagious nature of the virus and the difficulty of maintaining social distance while onboard an aircraft made this measure necessary. Before the nationwide mandate, masks were already mandatory on domestic flights to or from Victoria, and some airlines, such as Regional Express, had made masks compulsory since the beginning of the pandemic.

In addition to domestic flights, masks are also mandatory on international flights to and from Australia. This requirement was also implemented in response to the emergence of new, more infectious strains of COVID-19. Along with mask mandates, pre-flight testing and quarantine requirements for international travellers and flight crews were also put into place to further reduce the risk of the virus entering the country.

While the mask mandate for domestic flights remains in place, as of June 2022, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has recommended that masks no longer be required in airport terminals. This recommendation is based on the relaxation of mask mandates in most community settings across Australia. However, the AHPPC continues to encourage mask-wearing in indoor settings, especially where physical distancing is not possible, to prevent the spread of the disease to vulnerable individuals.

Children under 12 are exempt from wearing masks

As of June 17, 2022, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommended that face masks no longer be mandatory in airport terminals. However, individual states and territories have the discretion to enforce the removal of the mask mandate. Masks are still required on flights and public transport.

The exemption for children under 12 is an important consideration for families travelling with young children. It relieves parents or guardians from having to ensure that young children consistently wear masks, which can be challenging. This exemption also recognises that younger children may find mask-wearing uncomfortable or difficult to adjust to.

In addition to the exemption for children under 12, there are other exemptions for specific situations and individuals. For example, people who are eating, drinking, or taking medication may remove their masks temporarily if they are seated. Individuals who are deaf or have disabilities that make mask-wearing unsuitable are also exempt. These exemptions ensure that the mandate is applied in a way that is reasonable and accommodating of different needs and circumstances.

While masks are no longer mandatory in airport terminals, the AHPPC continues to recommend that individuals wear masks in indoor settings, particularly when physical distancing is not possible. This recommendation recognises that masks play a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease, especially to vulnerable individuals or those who are not vaccinated. As such, while children under 12 are exempt from wearing masks, it is advisable for older children and adults to continue wearing masks in airports to protect themselves and others.

Masks may be removed when eating or drinking

As of June 17, 2022, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommends that masks are no longer required to be worn in airport terminals. However, individual states and territories have the discretion to implement their own rules. Masks are still mandatory on flights.

Passengers can remove their masks when eating or drinking but must be seated while doing so. This exemption also applies to those taking medication. It is important to note that different states and territories within Australia may have varying rules regarding mask mandates, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your departure and arrival locations.

The AHPPC continues to recommend that individuals wear masks in indoor settings, such as airport terminals, when physical distancing is not possible. This is particularly important for preventing the spread of disease to vulnerable individuals or those who are not vaccinated.

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) Chief Executive, James Goodwin, has emphasized that travellers need to be aware of the ongoing requirement to wear masks in airports and on aircraft, even as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in other venues. He also highlighted the potential need for border permits, PCR tests, and vaccination certificates when travelling by air.

It is worth noting that some airlines, such as Qantas and Virgin Australia, have their own policies regarding mask mandates, which they have chosen to maintain even after the AHPPC's updated recommendation. Therefore, it is essential to check with your airline and local health authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding mask requirements when travelling through airports in Australia.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommends masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is not possible

As of June 17, 2022, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommends that face masks are no longer required to be worn in airport terminals. However, masks are still mandatory on flights. The AHPPC notes that while mask mandates have been relaxed across all parts of Australia, it continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor settings, including airport terminals, where physical distancing is not possible. This is to prevent the spread of disease to those who are unvaccinated or vulnerable.

The AHPPC's recommendation is in line with the relaxation of mask-wearing rules across Australia. Previously, masks were mandatory in all Australian airports and on domestic and international flights. This was implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including new strains that were more transmissible. The Australian government also introduced measures such as testing and quarantine requirements for international arrivals to manage the pandemic.

The removal of the mask mandate in airport terminals is now at the discretion of individual states and territories. While masks are no longer required in airport terminals, they are still recommended in indoor settings where physical distancing is challenging. This recommendation considers the role of masks in preventing the spread of diseases, especially to vulnerable individuals or those who are not vaccinated.

It is important to note that individual airlines may have their own policies regarding mask-wearing. For example, Qantas and Virgin Australia have followed government mandates, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have made masks optional on flights to destinations where they are no longer mandated. As of January 2025, British Airways and Heathrow Airport have also made masks optional in terminals and rail stations.

The AHPPC notes masks play a role in preventing the spread of disease to the vulnerable and unvaccinated

As of June 17, 2022, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommends that face masks no longer be required in airport terminals. However, masks are still mandatory on flights.

The AHPPC notes that masks play a role in preventing the spread of disease to those not vaccinated or those vulnerable in the community. The AHPPC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor settings, including airport terminals where physical distancing is not possible.

The removal of the mask mandate is now at the discretion of individual states and territories. This means that some Australian states and territories may still require passengers to wear masks in airport terminals.

It is important to check the specific requirements of the state or territory you are travelling to or from before arriving at the airport. In addition to mask requirements, there may also be other COVID-19-related travel restrictions in place, such as border permits, testing requirements, and vaccination certificates.

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has reminded passengers that wearing a face mask is still mandatory when travelling via the airport terminal, on aircraft, and on public transport. The AAA's CEO, James Goodwin, has stated that travellers need to be reminded that the relaxation of COVID-19 requirements in most venues does not include airports.

The decision to no longer require masks in airport terminals is in line with the relaxation of mask-wearing rules across all parts of Australia. However, it is important to note that the AHPPC still recommends mask-wearing in indoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. This is because masks play a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease to those who are vulnerable or unvaccinated.

By wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, individuals can help reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza. Masks are particularly effective when worn correctly and in combination with other preventative measures, such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, and vaccination.

In addition to their role in preventing the spread of disease, masks can also offer some protection to the wearer. For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal in May 2024 suggested that wearing a mask reduces the incidence of respiratory symptoms. The study found that 8.9% of those who wore masks reported respiratory symptoms during the study period, compared to 12.2% of those who did not, representing a relative risk reduction of 27%.

Furthermore, masks can also protect against other factors such as fine particulate matter, which can indirectly reduce the risk for various health conditions. For example, a study published in BMC Public Health in December 2024 suggested that mask use during the pandemic may have protected the population from pollution, resulting in a 38.6% reduction in the number of stroke cases over a 33-month period.

While mask mandates may no longer be politically or socially acceptable in many places, it is worth considering the potential benefits of mask-wearing in public places, especially for vulnerable or unvaccinated individuals.

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