The recently adapted Corona regulation of the Austrian Ministry of Health brought about the lifting of the mask requirement in many areas. In public transport - including airplanes - Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) continues to insist on FFP2 masks. But it depends on the "setting" in which the vehicle is traveling.

If a bus is in regular service - whether local or long-distance - the passengers must wear an FFP2 mask. However, if it is a charter trip, for example with football fans on the way to a match or back, there is no obligation to wear masks. The same applies if it is a travel trip. This means when the bus company carries out a classic bus trip. It does not matter whether so-called “vulnerable people” are present or not.

The mask requirement has also fallen on excursion boats that travel, for example, on the Danube and on Lake Constance. This applies to both the outdoor and indoor areas. However, if the ship does not operate “touristically” but as a kind of ferry, then FFP2 masks must continue to be worn.

The current regulation was already in place before the tightening, which was set just a few days after the supposed "Freedom Day". Despite repeated reminders, the Austrian Ministry of Health did not manage to explain why masks were not compulsory in coaches, but were on board aircraft. The ministry headed by Johannes Rauch also did not answer whether charter flights are to be equated with travel by coach or charter bus. This would affect business aviation in particular, but also holiday charter flights.

The Austrian Ministry of Health also gave no information as to why, in contrast to other countries, the decision was made to continue the FFP2 mask requirement in commercial aircraft. The question “What is the difference, for example, between a flight from Zagreb to Bucharest and a flight from Vienna to Frankfurt in terms of the risk of infection?” was also not answered.