EasyJet passengers flying from Madeira to the UK are being advised to cover their eyes, nose, and mouth during a mandatory insecticide spraying procedure before takeoff. The measure is required by Portuguese regulators and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of mosquitoes, particularly those carrying dengue fever.
The airline states on its website: 'The Portuguese regulators and World Health Organisation (WHO) have mandated that all flights from Madeira are required to be disinsected before departure.' The process involves cabin crew spraying the aircraft interior with a WHO-approved insecticide after all passengers have boarded and the doors are closed.
EasyJet advises passengers with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cystic fibrosis to cover their eyes, nose, and mouth during the spraying. The airline notes that similar disinsection procedures are common on flights to other destinations, including Italy, Barbados, India, and Jamaica.
TUI Airways also follows similar guidelines, using an environmentally friendly, non-flammable insecticide endorsed by the WHO. The WHO provides guidelines for disinsection procedures, with requirements determined by national authorities at the arrival destination.
