Brit tourists could be ordered to wear face masks on planes 'for years to come'

Airplane passengers are likely to still be asked to wear face masks far into the future, travellers have been told.

UK carriers are said to be seeking "international consistency" before lifting the rule and will "act as one" when easing measures, it has been reported.

But insiders claim it will be years until sunseekers can travel without the coverings.

Even if coronavirus wanes, flight operators will still demand masks are worn on board at all times, in accordance with current international guidelines.

Airlines are said to be reluctant to drop the requirement, and the requirement may be with us for quite some time.

Mask requirements could be in place for years, it has been claimed (Getty Images)

The source told The Times: “A bit like supermarkets, we’ll almost certainly keep the same policy until it is safe to move.

“For example, the rules in the US are very clear on masks. It would be ridiculous of us to ask passengers to put them on when we enter their airspace.”

A second source added that although there are “hopes that one day we will have a world with no masks, they are going to be with us for a long time”.

Each airline has its own policy regarding rules for face masks, and what proof may be required from passengers who are exempt for medical reasons from wearing a face covering while in the plane cabin.

UK carriers are said to be seeking "international consistency" before lifting rules (Getty Images)

Ryanair’s chief financial officer Neil Sorahan says masks will remain - just like rules on passengers removing liquids from hand luggage at security.

“Masks will be something that will be with us for a while longer to come,” he said.

“If that is the price we have to pay for the next few months, into summer — it’s a small price to pay.”

Another senior aviation source said: "Until there is a harmonised lifting of mask mandates on flights by governments worldwide it is simpler for airlines to keep the rules in place."

Virgin Atlantic told Sky News in a statement: "We continue to input to the regulators and work together across industry to see when changes can be made, however until further notice, we will require all customers and crew to continue to wear face masks for the duration of their flights, as well as at the airports."