The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said the latest joint decision made with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was taken to bring back the sense of normalcy to international travel.

The new guideline takes account of the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular, the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries, the joint statement of the aforementioned authorities read.

The new recommendation will be in effect from May 16, rules related to wearing a mask can differ from airline to airline beyond the specified date depending on the rules in the country they are flying to or from, it said.