Lufthansa has released its crews from the obligation to enforce the mask requirement, which still exists on many flights, by all means. The number of conflicts with passengers about the corona protection measures has increased sharply, the company reported on Friday in Frankfurt. Reasons are the many relaxations in everyday life and the omission of the mask requirement in all neighboring countries of Germany.
The company evaluates the increasing disputes as a security risk that must be weighed against other risks. “Since safety is a top priority for Lufthansa, the company is adapting its processes,” said a spokesman. The news magazine “Der Spiegel” reported first. However, the captain still has the last word on board. The fact that passengers without a mask are escorted out of the plane before take-off or are not allowed on board at all could be the exception.
Lufthansa no longer wants to strictly enforce mask requirements
Lufthansa explained that it was not going against the law and would continue to point out to passengers at many points in the process their legal obligation to wear masks during flights to and from Germany. The airline and its competitor condor were considered one of the few airlines to strictly enforce the rules to the last. Travel flexibly with DERTOURS – book your next holiday now
In the past few weeks, the company has publicly opposed the obligation to wear a mask, which in Germany also applies to long-distance trains and other public transport until September 23rd. The European aviation security agency EASA and the EU health authority ECDC lifted their recommendation for the general obligation to wear masks almost two weeks ago.
Just a few weeks ago, Lufthansa was in the headlines because the airline barred 100 Jews from flying. A few of them are said to have refused to wear a mask. The report brought allegations of anti-Semitism to the group. Read more here.