Mask wearing on Ryanair to be dropped by spring this year

Holidaymakers won’t have to wear masks on Ryanair flights by the spring this year, the airline boss said.

It comes as Jet2 became the first British airline to drop the requirement for travellers to wear face coverings onboard their planes.

Now Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has said he would like to see the end of masks on planes by the end of April or May.

Also, the boss declared Gatwick would see a “strong recovery” following a tough two years amid the Covid pandemic.

As the travel industry recovers, the airline has revealed its largest summer schedule from its three London airports - Gatwick, Luton and Stansted.

Ryanair has also announced 14 new routes from the airports to destinations such as Naples, Madeira and Stockholm.

Mr O’Leary said: “We are pleased to announce 14 new routes from our three London airports, Stansted, Luton and Gatwick.

“As all Covid-19 travel restrictions have now been lifted, UK citizens and visitors can book a well-deserved summer getaway to exciting destinations such as Helsinki, Madeira and Naples.

“Ryanair is driving London’s post-Covid recovery as we grow across Europe, with new aircraft and new routes.”

Earlier this month, England dropped all Covid restrictions including mask wearing and isolating after testing positive for the virus.