Just a few weeks ago, it was clear almost everywhere in the world: you have to wear mouth and nose protection in airport terminals and on board aircraft. Only Austria gave up and is still the only country on earth to insist on FFP2 masks. In the meantime, however, it is no longer so clear whether you have to wear a mask or not.
Many countries have already abolished the obligation to wear face masks on board aircraft or in terminals. So far, this has not been the case in Austria, because people continue to insist on the FFP2 coverings, also known as grinding masks. In Germany, for example, you don't have to wear mouth and nose protection inside the airports, but you do in aircraft cabins.
Countries such as Romania, Croatia and the United Kingdom - to name examples - have completely abolished the mask requirement. You do not have to cover your mouth and nose, neither on board nor in the terminals. More and more states are doing this, but there are also countries that continue to distinguish between airports and airplanes.
The overview below shows the current state of affairs in a few selected countries. The presentation is exemplary, does not claim to be complete and is only intended to provide an overview:
Country | mask on board | mask at the airport |
Netherlands | No | No – only in the security area |
Great Britain | No | No |
Denmark | No | No |
Sweden | No | No |
Hungary | No | No |
Poland | No | No |
USA | No | No |
Switzerland | No | No |
Belgium | Ja | No |
Germany | Ja | No |
Austria | Yes (FFP2) | Yes (FFP2) |
Spain | Ja | Ja |
Italy | Ja | Ja |
France | Ja | No |
Romania | No | No |
Finland | No | No |
Croatia | No | No |