EASA and ECDC update air travel guidelines to complement EU Digital COVID Certificates

Today, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a new version of the Aviation Health Safety Protocol. It offers clear operational guidance and risk-based recommendations for health-safe air travel, complementing other European Union initiatives, such as the EU Digital COVID Certificates. The Protocol takes into account new evidence and recent developments such as the circulation of variants of concern and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programmes. In this context, the Protocol stresses the need to maintain certain measures currently in place, such as the wearing of medical face masks, good hygiene and physical distancing.

Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, declared: “As passengers prepare for summer travels and the industry faces a high influx of traffic, safe and secure conditions must remain the norm. With the new EASA/ECDC guidelines, checking for proof of vaccination and verification of the Digital COVID Certificates by Member States must not result in overcrowded airports. The health and safety of passengers and crew remains our ultimate priority, and our recommendations are fully in line with the latest scientific evidence and epidemiological information.”

The Protocol, with its non-binding recommendations, will help Member States ensure a harmonised approach across Europe. This will not only benefit travellers but also help the air transport and tourism sectors to recover safely.

Press release by EASA and ECDC as and the full text of the protocol