NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Nashville International Airport officials said they understand there is no mask mandate at the airport after a federal ruling issued Monday.
A federal judge struck down the national mask mandate for airplanes, trains and public transportation, calling it “illegal.”
Monday’s court ruling comes less than a week after the CDC extended the mask mandate on planes through May 3 due to another variant of COVID-19.
On Monday, many passengers arriving or leaving the City of Music, many of them wearing masks, were unaware of the federal ruling.
“I’m going to continue to follow instructions,” said Thomas Mankle, who is visiting Nashville from the West Coast.
The 59-page ruling by US District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the CDC exceeded its authority and failed to adequately explain its decision.
The news of having to get rid of masks on a plane was welcome news for some passengers at the airport.
“Almost everywhere except the airport has been lifted,” said Megan Moriarty, who just arrived in Nashville from Boston. “In Boston, we are all mostly vaccinated. I don’t know if that’s the case in Tennessee or not. I am in favor personally. I think it will be great.”
“I’m excited and for me it can’t happen soon enough,” said Nathan Apodaca of Huntsville, Alabama. “Masks have gone everywhere, pretty much everywhere, concert halls, sporting events. This is the latest version of the mask mandate.”
Mankle said he is nonchalant about it.
“I’m not too passionate about it because it doesn’t bother me that much. I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep others safe,” Mankle said. “As far as I know, I’ve been listening to what my state mandates have been because I trust that the people making the decisions know a lot more than I do.”
Nashville International Airport released a statement regarding the judge’s ruling:
“Leadership at Nashville International Airport has monitored developments from this morning’s federal court ruling that struck down face mask requirements for travelers. BNA understands that the Transportation Security Administration is not currently appealing the Court’s ruling, therefore BNA understands that there is no longer a mask requirement. However, travelers are encouraged to check with their respective carrier for specific airline requirements.”
“If it could happen at the end of my journey, that would be nice. I could go home without this,” Moriarty said.
“As a frequent flyer, I am ready to take off,” Apodaca said. “I’m glad to see it and I hope it will be soon.”
The White House said federal agencies were still evaluating the court’s decision.
The Flight Attendants Association told the Associated Press that airlines would need 24 to 48 hours to implement new procedures and inform employees of them.
United Airlines said its mask mandate remains in place for customers and staff while they wait for more information from the federal government.
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