Some British airlines announced they planned to abandon their mask-wearing obligations for flights to Gran Canaria this week. The policy change follows the UK's announcement that it would lift the latest travel restrictions this week. Including coronavirus screenings for unvaccinated visitors.
Heathrow Airport announced it would be lifting its mask requirement starting this Wednesday, but was "strongly encouraging" travelers at the airport to continue wearing face coverings because "the pandemic is not over." British Airways, with operations in Gran Canaria, has indicated that they will also do the same. Passengers will now be required to wear a mask on flights if the destination requires it.
Eventually, it was Jet2 that became the first UK airline to remove its mask requirement two weeks ago, saying it was no longer a legal requirement. The British government lifted travel restrictions at the end of February. TUI Airways followed suit on March 11. The UK will no longer require coronavirus tests or passenger locator forms from travelers from 4am on Friday. Britain had already lifted screening requirements for vaccinated travelers last month.