The civil aviation ministry said on Wednesday that use of face masks are not required for air travel, passengers should use them if possible given the declining number of coronavirus cases.
Until recently, wearing masks or face covers while flying was required.
The ministry stated in a communication to scheduled airlines that the latest decision was made in accordance with the government’s policy of a graded approach to COVID-19 management response.
“… the in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by COVID-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers,” said the communication.
It also stated that any specific reference to fines or penalties should not be included in the in-flight announcements.
According to the most recent official data, the total number of active coronavirus cases in the country accounted for only 0.02 percent of total infections, and the recovery rate increased to 98.79 percent.
The number of people who have recovered from the disease has risen to 4,41,28,580, with a case fatality rate of 1.19 percent.