Senators say federal health and safety rules are urgently needed to curb the further spread of COVID-19 while protecting travelers and frontline workers in the sky

Washington (June 9, 2020) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today renewed their call for the U.S. Department of Transportation, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to immediately issue strong, nationwide rules to protect the health and safety of the flying public. In a letter to both agencies, the Senators specifically demand new rules to require face masks for air travelers, ensure front-line crewmembers are provided with personal protective equipment, support social distancing, and mandate strong cleaning protocols for aircraft.

“Although airlines and airports are acting with the best of intentions, air travel is an inherently interstate and international issue that demands stronger leadership from the federal government” write the Senators in their letter to Secretary Elaine Chao and Secretary Alex Azar. “We believe the safety of the flying public requires consistent and enforceable rules from your agencies, and we urge you to act without further delay.”

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.  

In April, Senators Markey and Blumenthal previously expressed concern that, absent federal leadership, a patchwork of conflicting policies created by individual airlines and airports would endanger the health of travelers and front-line workers as the coronavirus spread. Unfortunately, recent reports about haphazard enforcement of airline rules for face masks and social distancing on flights confirm these fears, and reinforce the need for urgent federal action to ensure that Americans can fly safely now and when the pandemic subsides. 

Senators Markey and Blumenthal have also co-authored legislation that would create a joint task force – advised by aviation, security, and public health experts – that will develop recommended requirements, plans, and guidelines to ensure safe and healthy air travel during and after the coronavirus pandemic. The recent reports about a lack of enforcement for airline policies underscore the need for this task force. However, DOT and HHS need not wait for the Senators’ bill to become law to begin tackling known health risks in air travel.

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