A federal judge in Florida has struck down Joe Biden’s federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of public transportation. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, officials say they are no longer enforcing a mask requirement, but the recommendation to wear them will remain.
In response to Monday’s federal court ruling, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has issued the following statement:
“Austin-Bergstrom International Airport awaits further direction and guidance from the federal government regarding enforcement and will communicate any impacts to passengers and staff accordingly. In accordance with public health advice issued by Austin Public Health, AUS continues to encourage travelers to wear masks. Travelers flying should connect directly with their airline for more information about airline mask policies on aircraft.”
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is praising the move, calling it an unlawful overreach by the federal government.
“The federal district judge correctly held that that CDC transportation mask mandate was unlawful and violated the Administrative Procedure Act,” said TPPF General Counsel Robert Henneke. “The Court’s order vacates the CDC Mask Mandate, which will be effective for all persons nationwide as soon as final judgment is entered by the Clerk of the Court. While the Court’s order stops the mask mandate for now, TPPF’s lawsuit representing Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne continues to litigate the underlying constitutional issues.”
Individual airlines still can impose their own mask requirements but none of the major carriers servicing Austin have expressed any interest in doing so.
The White House could still appeal the ruling.
