Lufthansa passengers will be asked to wear face masks on flights and throughout airports from Monday.
The rule will apply on all Lufthansa Group airlines and will be in place until at least August 31.
The group said the measure served as “additional protection for all passengers” and complied with the official regulations of a number of European countries which insist on a mouth and nose cover when in public.
All flight attendants in direct contact with customers will also be required to wear a mask.
The company said: “All passengers are requested to bring their own face mask and a reusable fabric mask is recommended, but all other types of coverings such as simple disposable masks or scarves are also acceptable. The airlines will inform their passengers in advance by SMS or e-mail and on their websites about the new regulations.”
It added: “The current regulation of Lufthansa Group Airlines to keep the neighbouring seat free in economy and premium economy class will no longer apply, as wearing the mouth-nose cover provides adequate health protection. Due to the current low occupancy rate, seats will nevertheless be allocated as widely as possible throughout the cabin.”
“In principle, infection on board remains very unlikely. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, no concrete cases of transmission on Lufthansa Group flights have become known.”