The Lufthansa Group and its member airlines are asking all passengers to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth on board their flights.

In addition, the group recommends that passengers wear them throughout the entire journey, including prior to and after the flight, and throughout the airport “when the required minimum distance cannot be guaranteed without restriction”.

Despite numerous adjustments to service procedures, it is not always possible to maintain the required distance on a flight, so this measure serves as additional protection for all passengers, the airline has said.

All flight attendants on Lufthansa Group flights in direct contact with customers are also required to wear a mask.

The introduction of mandatory face masks will mean that the current regulation to keep the neighbouring seat free in Economy and Premium Economy Class will no longer apply for Lufthansa, as wearing the mouth-nose cover provides adequate health protection.

However, due to the current low occupancy rate, Lufthansa has said that seats will still be allocated as widely as possible throughout the cabin.

In a statement, the airline said: “All passengers are requested to bring their own face mask and a reusable fabric mask is recommended, but all other types of coverings such as simple disposable masks or scarves are also acceptable.

“The airlines will inform their passengers in advance by SMS or e-mail and on their websites about the new regulations.

“The obligation to wear the mask will preliminarily apply until 31 August 2020.”

In principle, infection on board remains very unlikely. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, no concrete cases of transmission on Lufthansa Group flights have become known.

All Lufthansa Group aircraft are equipped with the highest quality air filters, which guarantee air quality similar to that in an operating theatre. In addition, the air circulates vertically instead of being distributed throughout the cabin.

Since the pandemic, many airlines have begun introducing enhanced health and safety protocols on flights, including Wizz Air and Emirates.

Visit lufthansa.com for more information.