Singapore drops mask requirement at Changi Airport and on selected flights

Singapore will further ease its COVID-19 restrictions from 29 August 2022 by removing quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers, and removing masks in most indoor settings. 

What surprised me in particular was that the removal of masks extends to airports and selected flights too. I was fully expecting that masks on planes would stick around for the rest of the year, and I’m sure it’ll be a relief particularly for those on long-haul flights. 

Singapore Airlines has now confirmed that masks will not be required on flights to and from the USA, UK, France, Japan and New Zealand, among others. 

Singapore’s new mask requirements

From 29 August 2022, masks will no longer be required at airports in Singapore. This is in line with the broader removal of mask requirements in most indoor settings, except healthcare and public transport facilities.

Singapore will also remove the mask wearing requirement on:

• Outbound commercial flights from Singapore to destinations that do not require mask-wearing onboard
• Inbound commercial flights into Singapore from destinations that do not require mask wearing onboard

Now, here’s where it gets a bit confusing. There are countries which have removed indoor masking requirements, but retain them on public transport (and define airplanes as public transport). Then there’s the added complexity of state versus federal rules and domestic versus international flights. Australia, for example, still requires masks to be worn on domestic flight- but Qantas has removed the requirement for international flights to selected destinations like the USA and UK when departing from certain states. 

The hodgepodge of rules makes it uncertain which flights will benefit, but Singapore Airlines has now confirmed with me the following list of destinations that will and will not require masks from 29 August 2022. 

Per a spokesperson:

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has updated our policy on the use of face masks during flights, following the latest guidelines from the Singapore government.

With effect from 29 August 2022, customers are not required to wear face masks on board flights, unless they are travelling to or from destinations that require a face mask.

Customers who wish to wear a face mask on board may continue to do so. Face masks are also optional at Singapore Changi Airport.

Conclusion

Singapore will remove its mask requirement at the airport and on selected flights from 29 August 2022, a move that’s very much welcome in my opinion. I’ve always found it odd, particularly in premium cabins where there’s built-in social distancing. And sleeping with a mask is, well, let’s just say it’s not ideal.

If you’re flying from 29 August onwards, let us know how your maskless flight goes!