Following in the footsteps of Jet2 which dropped its mask requirements on Wednesday, Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary has announced that the carrier's passengers will be flying mask free by May.The Telegraph is reporting that Ryanair has started consultations with its staff to find a “common-sense solution” to the mask mandate. O’Leary is quoted as saying:

“I’d like to see it come to an end maybe by the end of April, at the end of May. We are consulting with cabin crew as well at the moment. We want to know how they feel. The key issue for us is that people are comfortable to go back onboard our aircraft,”

The airline is known for its outspoken support for a swift post-pandemic recovery of the aviation industry, having previously called for quarantine-free travel from the UK to the European Union. In December, O’Leary advocated against mandatory testing at airports by restricting unvaccinated passengers on flights.

Not wanting to miss out on any controversy, airline CFO Neil Sorahan has also compared mask requirements to the regulation of liquids in carry-ons following 9/11, calling it a small price to pay for summer holidays.

“Summer bonanza”

It seems Ryanair’s attitude has been a significant asset in its recovery, ending 2021 with passenger numbers just 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels despite concerns over the Omicron variant. Things are almost business as usual for the carrier, launching a record number of flights out of London this summer. O’Leary has said:

“We are pleased to announce 14 new routes from our three London airports, Stansted, Luton, and Gatwick. As all Covid-19 travel restrictions have now been lifted, UK citizens and visitors can book a well-deserved summer getaway to exciting destinations such as Helsinki, Madeira, and Naples. Ryanair is driving London’s post-Covid recovery as we grow across Europe, with new aircraft and new routes.”

What are the current restrictions?

Fellow low-cost carrier, Jet2, has already dropped mandatory masks on flights originating in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, masks are still required when disembarking in foreign airports and on transfers to resorts. The airline has advised:

“As per UK Government guidance, we recommend that customers continue to wear a face mask in these spaces, and we remind customers that they will need to wear one when they get to their overseas destination.”

Individual airport restrictions on masks are varied, with holidaymakers encouraged to check before travel.

These regulations do not extend to Scotland and Wales, where it is still a requirement for travelers over six years old to wear masks in Scottish airports and for flights originating there. Scotland’s current COVID-19 restrictions are due to end on 21 March.

Other airlines have not been as enthusiastic about a sudden end to mask requirements; British Airways, easyJet, TUI, and Virgin Atlantic are keeping their current mask policies in place but remain under regular review.

What do you think of Ryanair ending mask requirements? Will you be traveling with the airline this summer? Let us know in the comments.