Rules on face masks on flights could be with Scots holidaymakers for years to come, industry experts have warned.
Since international travel resumed during the Covid pandemic, travellers are asked to wear a face covering while on board unless they are eating or drinking.
But the measure could be one of the last Covid restrictions to be dropped globally, according to industry insiders.
The Times is reporting that UK airlines are seeking international consistency on rule changes amid the pandemic.
They claim that different rules around the world make it impossible for carriers to make their own individual rules.
British airlines currently follow Covid guidelines from a number of bodies including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
An aviation source told The Times: “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.”
Neil Sorahan, Ryanair’s chief financial officer, added: “Masks will be something that will be with us for a while longer to come.
“If that is the price we have to pay for the next few months, into summer - it’s a small price to pay.”
Travel rules for fully vaccinated Scots heading abroad will be relaxed later this month.
Anyone that has received at least two jabs of the vaccine is not required to take a test within two days of their return to Scotland from 4am on February 11.
Quarantine will no longer be mandatory for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers heading back into Scotland.
Non vaccinated travellers will still be required to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day two from then.
All passengers will still have to fill out a passenger locator form and wearing face coverings in Scotland’s airports under the new rules.
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