Does every passenger on board have to wear a mask? On flights to and from Germany there is no obligation to wear a mask*. However, you can still wear a mask if you wish. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommends that all passengers continue to wear masks at airports and on board aircraft.

As of early 2026, Lufthansa does not require masks on the majority of its flights, following the global lifting of most pandemic-era mandates. However, there are two important exceptions to keep in mind. First, if you are flying to a destination that still has its own national mask mandate (certain countries in Africa or Asia occasionally implement these for public health reasons), you will be required to wear a mask for the duration of that flight. Second, while the airline no longer mandates medical-grade masks (such as FFP2, N95, or surgical masks) like it did in 2021, the German government occasionally updates its "Protection Act" for public transport during seasonal surges. If such a local rule is in place for German airports, you may need a mask while in the terminal or during boarding. For most travelers in 2026, masking is a personal choice, and Lufthansa continues to encourage passengers who feel vulnerable to wear high-quality masks, while maintaining hospital-grade HEPA filters to ensure the cabin air is replaced every few minutes.