Mask mandates at London’s Heathrow Airport are being dropped from Wednesday as the UK takes its final steps out of Covid-19 lockdown rules.
The airport said it would be lifting the requirement for passengers to wear masks following the government's announcement that all measures, including passenger locator forms, will end on Friday.
Airlines and travel industry organisations have welcomed the move, as two airlines — British Airways and Virgin Atlantic — are also dropping mask mandates for flights except when required by the arrival country.
For Heathrow, it means masks will no longer be needed in its terminals, rail stations or office buildings.
On Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet the government had decided to drop all pandemic-related travel restrictions from Friday, including testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers and the passenger locator form for inbound travellers.
“We’re pleased that we’re now able to move away from a mandatory requirement as society learns to live with Covid longer term,” said Heathrow's chief operating officer Emma Gilthorpe.
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“We can be confident the investments we’ve made in Covid-secure measures — some of which aren’t always visible — combined with the fantastic protection provided by the vaccine will continue to keep people safe while travelling.
“We’re gearing up for a busy summer travel season, and this change means we can look forward to welcoming our passengers back with a smile as we get them safely away on their journeys.”
An airport representative said travellers were still encouraged to wear a mask, particularly when coming into close contact with others.
The change mirrors steps taken by other transport organisations in the UK.
British Airways and Virgin signalled they were following Heathrow’s lead.
“We believe our customers should have the personal choice whether to wear a mask on board, on routes where international regulations around mask-wearing do not apply,” said Virgin’s chief customer and operating officer Corneel Koster.
“This policy will be introduced gradually, beginning with our Caribbean services from Heathrow and Manchester airports and we encourage everyone to be respectful of fellow passengers’ mask preferences.”
Heathrow will maintain its Covid-secure measures, including enhanced ventilation in terminal buildings.
Should a significant rise in Covid cases or a future variant of concern materialise, Heathrow said it will not hesitate to reinstate the mandatory use of face coverings at the airport.
Face coverings will remain available at the airport to support those who wish to continue wearing them.
Airlines Jet2.com and Tui Airways recently announced they were easing their mask rules.
The Airport Operators Association, the trade association for UK airports, said “restriction-free travel is good news for passengers".
AOA chief executive Karen Dee said: “People should feel encouraged to book their long-awaited holidays, trips to see relatives and friends abroad that they haven't seen for a long time and travel to rekindle business ties with other countries.”
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), a trade union for UK pilots, also said it welcomed the move.
“The aviation industry has been through the worst crisis it has ever faced yet it will underpin the much-needed economic recovery that global Britain needs,” said Balpa General Secretary Martin Chalk.
