The Austrian Ministry of Health has instructed airports, airlines and pilots that, with effect from September 15, 2021, “normal MNS masks” are no longer permitted. On board of passenger aircraft, also in the business aviation sector, as well as in airport terminals, at least FFP2 masks must be worn again.

In the Notam A2504 / 21, all operators - in the air and on the ground - are instructed that from September 15, 2021, entry to airports and aircraft is only permitted if a mask that at least complies with the FFP2 standard is worn . This applies to both travelers flying from Austria and incoming passengers, regardless of the operator.

The consequence of this is that FFP2 masks are required on all flights to / from Austria. For example, if you are flying from Germany to Austria, a normal NMS ("surgical mask") would be allowed until boarding, and after that, according to the latest regulation, at least one FFP2 mask must be worn.

The order of the ministry also means that protective masks of higher quality are permitted. These can be products based on the FFP3 standard, for example. Theoretically, you could also use a “real gas mask”, provided that it does not have a valve for exhaling. This would also not be allowed with FFP2 masks.

There are exceptions for children under six years of age and people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. The latter have to prove this by means of a doctor's certificate. Children and adolescents between the ages of six and a maximum of 14 years can continue to wear simple face and nose protection (“community mask”). In addition, there is an express obligation to wear masks that at least meet the FFP2 standard.

The instruction from the Austrian Ministry of Health is provisionally limited to October 31, 2021. However, it can be assumed that the validity of the notam A2504 / 21 will be extended. For the sake of transparency, the original of the Notam, which was published in English as is customary in aviation, is copied at the end of the article.

Summary of the most common questions:

Who has to wear FFP2 or higher?

All persons who have reached the age of 14 and fly to / from Austria or enter an airport terminal.

Who doesn't have to wear a mask?

Children who are not older than six years. Furthermore, people who cannot wear an FFP2 mask for medical reasons can do without it. But only if a valid doctor's certificate can be presented.

Attention! If the medical exception applies to you, please contact your airline and inquire about how to proceed. Some airlines require certificates on special forms and a few refuse to travel without a mask - regardless of the certificate or not.

Who can still wear “normal masks”?

Children and adolescents in the age group between six and 14 years. FFP14 masks are compulsory from the 2th birthday. Furthermore, pregnant women are also allowed to wear a “normal mask”. If the pregnancy is not obvious, it is advisable to bring a doctor's certificate with you.

What does "at least FFP2 without valve" mean?

This means that the mask must at least comply with the FFP2 standard and must not have a valve for exhaling. Higher value products - without a valve - such as FFP3 or even gas masks are allowed. Lower quality masks such as cloth masks or so-called "surgical masks" are no longer allowed, except for children and pregnant women.

Practical question: I'm flying from Germany, where surgical masks are the minimum standard, to Austria. I am flying with a German airline. What mask do I have to wear as a normal traveler who does not come under any exception?

At least one FFP2 mask without a valve, as the Austrian federal government has ordered that this applies to all flights to / from Austria as well as in airport terminals in Austria. By the way: The obligation will also apply to rail and bus transport from September 15, 2019.

Does the new arrangement only apply to passengers or does it also apply to staff?

For everyone, including the staff.

What is the wording of the Notam?

"A2504 / 21 - COVID-19: PASSENGERS REQUIREMENTS

THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA, FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR HEALTH HAS ENACTED FOLLOWING REGULATION CONCERNING THE NEED TO WEAR PROTECTIVE MASKS ON BOARD AIRCRAFT IN RESPECT OF SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19:

.0) CHANGE LOG:

0.1) FFP2-MASK RE-INTRODUCED AS PER 15.09.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX

.

1) ENTERING THE AIRPORT AND AICRAFT-CABIN IS ONLY PERMITTED IF TILL 14.09.2021/15.09.2021/2 A COMMUNITY MASK AND AS OF XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX A BREATHING-MASK PROTECTION CLASS FFPXNUMX WITHOUT EXHALATION VALVE (OR AN EQUIVALENT MASK OR A MASK CORRESPONDING TO A HIGHER STANDARD) IS WORN.

2) EXEMPTED ARE CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF SIX AND PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO WEAR THE MASK FOR HEALTH REASONS. PREGNANT AND 6- TO 14-YEAR-OLDS CAN USE A COMMUNIY MASK INSTEAD OF THE FFP2-MASK. 10 SEP 15:50 2021 UNTIL 31 OCT 23:59 2021. CREATED: 10 SEP 15:51 2021 ″