Airports Still Requiring Masks: A Comprehensive List

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on U.S. flights and in most U.S. airports, although some cities and states have retained the right to continue requiring masks under local orders, including New York's JFK and LaGuardia airports, and Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports. Internationally, masks are still required on flights to and from certain countries, including China, Japan, Spain, and Canada.

Airports Still Requiring Masks

US airports and flights

As of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory on US flights and in US airports. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear masks indoors, and some cities, states, and countries may still require them.

Following a federal court ruling, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing the mask mandate on public transportation and at transportation hubs such as airports. This means that major US airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Alaska, have made masks optional for employees, team members, and customers inside US airports and on domestic flights. However, masks may still be required on certain international flights, depending on local mandates. For example, masks are still required on flights to and from Canada and some destinations in Asia.

Some US airports, such as New York's JFK and LaGuardia and Chicago's O'Hare and Midway, initially kept their mask mandates in place after the ruling. However, as of April 19, 2022, Chicago's Department of Aviation announced that masks would no longer be required at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

It's important to note that mask requirements may vary across different cities, states, and countries, so it's always a good idea to check the policies of your specific destination before traveling. Additionally, while masks may not be mandatory, some individuals may choose to continue wearing them, and it's important to respect the decisions of others.

As of April 2022, international flights to and from certain countries, such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Spain, still require passengers to wear masks. It's essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines and recommendations when traveling to ensure compliance with the regulations of your destination.

European airports and flights

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required on most European flights and airports, although there are some exceptions.

For example, Spain requires all passengers on flights to the country to wear masks. However, on flights departing Spain, only passengers flying a Spanish airline, Iberia, are required to wear face masks. Iberia has called for this rule to be relaxed, but the Spanish government plans to review the rule in March 2023.

In the UK, masks are still required for customers aged 12 and above on certain routes, including Delhi, Islamabad, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Lahore, Lagos, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Tel Aviv. However, on flights to or from England, Wales or Northern Ireland, masks are no longer necessary, although their use is recommended.

Some airlines, such as Norwegian, have made masks optional on all flights, leaving the decision to passengers based on the local requirements of their destination.

It is important to note that individual European countries or cities may still have mask mandates in place for airports and flights, so it is always recommended to check the policies of your specific destination before travelling.

Asian airports and flights

As of April 2022, masks were no longer required on US domestic flights and in most US airports. However, masks may still be required on international flights to and from Asia. For example, American Airlines has stated that masks may be required on flights to cities and countries where mandates are in place, including much of Asia. Similarly, Delta Air Lines has acknowledged that facial coverings may be required for international flights depending on local mandates. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers check the requirements for their specific airline and destination before departing.

As of June 2024, most airlines do not require masks, although there are some exceptions for certain international flights. Iberia, a Spanish airline, is one of the few global airlines that still requires masks on all flights to and from Spain. Additionally, masks are required on flights to and from China, including Hong Kong, and Japan. These requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest information before travelling.

In Asia, some countries and cities have specific mask mandates in place. For example, in Japan, masks are required in many indoor settings, and it is common to see people wearing masks outdoors as well. It is important to follow the local laws and regulations of the country or city you are visiting in Asia to avoid any issues or fines.

When travelling through Asian airports, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations and recommendations of the airport and the country you are in. Some airports in Asia may have different rules and guidelines compared to others. It is always recommended to check the latest updates and guidelines from official sources, such as government websites or the airport's official website, to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

While the requirement to wear masks has been lifted in many places, it is important to respect the choices of individuals who choose to continue wearing masks. Some people may continue to wear masks for personal wellbeing or because they feel more comfortable doing so. It is important to be respectful and supportive of these individual decisions.

Canadian airports and flights

As of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory in most U.S. airports and on domestic flights. However, masks are still required in Canadian airports and on flights to and from Canada. This includes Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, despite the Ontario government's plan to drop the mandate in most public places.

In Canada, individuals aged 12 years and 4 months or older must be fully vaccinated to board domestic or international flights, including charter and foreign airlines carrying commercial passengers. Unvaccinated individuals must provide a valid COVID-19 test result and a medical certificate confirming that their symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19. Accepted vaccines for entering Canada include:

• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
• Moderna
• Pfizer-BioNTech
• AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD

It is important to note that international destinations may have different requirements. For example, Spain requires all passengers on flights to Spain to wear masks, while on flights departing Spain, only passengers flying a Spanish airline are required to wear masks. Similarly, masks are required on all flights to and from China and Japan. Therefore, it is essential to check the rules of your destination country before travelling.

South American airports and flights

As of June 2024, most US airlines have dropped their mask mandates, and masks are no longer required in most US airports. However, masks are still required in some airports, including New York's JFK and LaGuardia, and Chicago's O'Hare and Midway.

When it comes to South American airports and flights, it's important to note that requirements may vary depending on the specific country and airline. While most airlines have lifted their mask mandates, some airlines that fly to South America may still require masks on their flights. For example, Iberia, a Spanish airline that flies to South America, required masks for all travellers over the age of six as of January 2023. Copa Airways, a popular airline in Latin America, may also have mask requirements for its flights. Additionally, individual countries within South America may have their own mask mandates in place, so it's important to check the local regulations for your specific destination.

Some international flights to and from South America may also have mask requirements. For example, flights to and from China and Hong Kong currently require passengers to wear masks. Similarly, flights to and from Japan may require masks, and you'll likely see many people wearing masks outdoors in Japan as well. Canada also has a mask mandate in place for flights, so if you're travelling between South America and Canada, you'll need to wear a mask.

It's always recommended to check the specific requirements for your airline and destination before travelling, as policies can change. While masks may not be mandatory in all South American airports and flights, it's important to respect the choices of those who choose to continue wearing masks for their personal wellbeing. Some airlines, like Southwest, will continue to offer masks for those who prefer to wear them.

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