Passengers aboard Ryanair flights will no longer be forced to wear masks by the Springtime, according to predictions from the airline's boss.
By April, Michael O'Leary has said he wants to see the end of masks by the end of next month, declaring that London Gatwick should see a "strong recovery" following the significant impact the pandemic had on the industry.
Jet2 became the first UK airline to end its mask mandate yesterday.
Yet, Scottish holidaymakers will still have wear face coverings from flights to and from Scotland.
Brian Lawless
A spokesman for Jet2 said: "It is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in England and Northern Ireland, including at our airports or on board our aircraft.
"However, 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."
Other well known airlines including easyJet, BA, Virgin Atlantic and TUI, have all retained their mask rules.
Mr O'Leary celebrated the announcement of new flight routes opening from its London-based airports, the MailOnline reported.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary speaking at a press conference at the InterContinental Park Lane in London.
Jonathan Brady
"We are pleased to announce 14 new routes from our three London airports, Stansted, Luton and Gatwick," O’Leary said.
"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."
A spokesman for Jet2 said: "It is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face mask in England and Northern Ireland, including at our airports or on board our aircraft.
"However, 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."
Boeing 737-85P (G-DRTM) (foreground) one of several planes owned and operated by Jet2 at Birmingham Airport.
Steve Parsons
A BA spokesman announced: "We have no immediate plans to change our mask policy, but keep our policies under review and continue to take advice and guidance from all the appropriate authorities.
"In addition, a number of the airports and destinations we operate between have requirements or legal mandates in place for the wearing of masks and there are significant implications for customers who do not comply.
"We therefore have a consistent mask policy on board and in the terminal to protect travellers, avoid customer confusion and ensure everybody is prepared for their journey."
According to an easyJet spokesman "at present there are no changes to easyJet’s mask policy, however we continue to keep this under regular review in conjunction with our in-house medical adviser and key industry bodies".
A spokesman from TUI said: "our mask policy is currently under review and will hope to be able to update in the coming days."
