Government acknowledges AHPPC advice to end mandatory mask wearing in airport terminals

The Australian Government acknowledges the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommendation that mask wearing no longer be mandated in airport terminals from as early as 11.59pm this Friday 17 June. Masks will still be required on all flights.

We anticipate the travelling public will notice this change in the days following Friday as individual state and territory jurisdictions make the necessary changes to their public health orders.

This changed advice comes after the AHPPC has reviewed the current COVID-19 situation in Australia and considers it no longer proportionate to mandate mask wearing in the terminals. It has also noted all states and territories have relaxed mask mandates in most community settings.

The Government notes the AHPPC has strongly recommended Australians continue to wear masks as a key measure to help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and influenza.

Masks help us protect the most vulnerable in our community who are unable to get vaccinated and people who have a higher risk of developing severe illness.

The Government is advised the AHPPC will continue to actively consider mask wearing on flights and will issue further advice on this in the future.

The Government thanks the thousands of people who work in our airport terminals around Australia who have followed the rules to keep us safe. We thank the travelling public for continuing to comply with the ongoing regulations.

Media contact:

Lucy Caruso (Butler): 0408 803 428

Nick Beaver (King): 0419 709 266