Qatar Airways makes face shields compulsory for economy passengers – but business class can choose

Rule is mandatory in economy but business class travellers can choose

Qatar Airways cabin crew are kitted out in PPE (Qatar Airways)

Qatar Airways has said passengers should wear face shields as well as masks on board its flights.

The new rule is compulsory for those in economy class, but business class travellers can forgo the shield “at their discretion”.

The disposable shields, which come in two sizes for adults and children, are issued to passengers as part of the airline’s hygiene kit.

It also comes with hand sanitiser, gloves and a face mask.

Passengers are expected to wear the shields at all times apart from when eating or drinking. Children aged under two are exempt.

Cabin crew will wear even more PPE, with face masks, safety glasses, gloves and disposable gowns worn over their uniforms.

Travellers in economy should be in no doubt that the shields are mandatory: “Anyone refusing to wear the face shield during the boarding process will be not allowed to travel,” an airline spokesperson told CNN Travel.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said of the move: “By introducing these additional onboard safety and hygiene measures, our customers can rely on us and our unparalleled expertise to fly them safely to their destination.

”As the largest international airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have become one of the most experienced in safety and hygiene.

“We will continue to lead the industry in terms of the services offered to our passengers, so that they can travel with confidence.”

Face shields come in two sizes (Qatar Airways)

Flights from the UK are expected to ramp up from 10 July when the blanket two-week quarantine for all in-bound arrivals is lifting for those entering the country from certain destinations.

England and Scotland have both announced their lists of exempt countries, which are identical barring the omission of Spain and Serbia from the latter’s.

Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to publish their own lists in due course.