Travelers will no longer be required to wear masks on European flights or in airports.
The decision was announced Wednesday by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
In a statement, the agencies said they were lifting the measure due to rising vaccination rates and natural immunity across Europe as well as several countries dropping domestic restrictions.
The new rule will go into effect May 16.
Despite the relaxation of the rules, the EASA and the ECDC noted that masks are still one of the best ways to protect against COVID-19 spread.
The statement also encouraged "vulnerable passengers," such as those who are at high risk of severe disease because they are immunocompromised or older, to keep wearing face coverings on flights.
Even after the requirement is lifted, airlines may still require masks on their flights. The agencies also recommended airlines encourages passengers to wear masks on flights to and from countries that have mask rules in place on public transportation.
France's government announced separately Wednesday it is lifting its requirement that people wear masks on public transportations starting Monday.