Cathay Pacific is making face masks compulsory for passengers throughout various stages of their travel journey starting tomorrow (May 15) “until further notice”.

The carrier said passengers will be required to wear face coverings in situations where they can’t maintain a physical distance of two metres from others or “as directed by our airline employees”. This includes during check-in, in the airline’s lounges, during boarding, in the aircraft cabin, and while passengers are leaving the plane.

Passengers flying with Hong Kong’s flag carrier will have to bring their own face covering. The airline said on its website that “all types of masks and coverings are suitable”.

Children under the age of six are exempt from the airline’s new requirement.

The carrier also said on its website that it strongly recommends that passengers also wear face coverings in high-traffic areas such as security lines and baggage collection areas.

Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has asked Cathay Pacific if cabin crew and airport staff working with the airline will also have to wear a face mask.

On April 28, Cathay Pacific said it intends to increase its flying capacity from 3 per cent to 5 per cent between June 21 and June 30. The carrier has reduced its flying capacity by 97 per cent due to a drop in travel demand amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions imposed by countries around the world.

A growing number of airlines are now requiring passengers and/or cabin crew to wear face masks on flights in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Delta, and Emirates have all announced that passengers and cabin crew will have to wear a face covering during flights.

Airlines and face masks

cathaypacific.com