The Ryanair CEO says mask-wearing on flights is likely to continue until all European aviation authorities ease the rules.
Mask-wearing in settings such as schools, public transport and retail has been one of the few remaining legal measures in place around COVID-19.
However, NPHET has now recommended that the mandatory rules should come to an end.
On The Pat Kenny Show earlier today, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson was asked whether airlines are still going to require passengers to wear masks.
He said: “Until all the aviation authorities line up in the same way throughout Europe to have masks gone, I think you’re probably going to see them continue this summer despite the relaxation that’s probably going to come from the Irish Government in the coming days.
“I think people still welcome it - certainly in the short-term.
"We will want it to be gone, but everyone has got to jump at the same time."
He was speaking as the airline announced an increase in capacity at Cork Airport with the addition of seven additional routes - bringing to 23 the number of destinations out of Cork.
They include routes to Sardinia, Pisa and Valencia, with an extra aircraft also added to the Cork base.
Ryanair had closed its bases in Cork and Shannon in October 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions, but they were reopened last year as international travel resumed.
Mr Wilson said the return to a large schedule from Dublin and Cork this summer is partially a result of the Government's decision to reduce airport charges.
He said: "The Government has done something right here for this summer, and we believe they need to extend it into next winter."
