Portland International Airport drops mask mandate following federal ruling

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – Portland International Airport will no longer be enforcing a mask mandate following a federal ruling out of Florida.

According to a spokesperson for the Port of Portland, the decision follows U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle’s ruling in Florida that cancelled the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation.

“We recognize that travelers and airport employees will have mixed feelings about this sudden change,” the spokesperson said. “We ask that people be kind and respectful of a person’s individual decision to wear a mask or not.”

Passengers at Portland International Airport expressed excitement over the dropped mandate.

“I just found out about just a couple of minutes ago and where I’m from it’s been off for about a month so,” said Ron Guisinger. “I’m pretty excited about it to see them come off. Once they’re gone, I’ll get rid of it but I keep it on me because you never know which state or where you’re going requires what.”

One passenger was even told on their flight they were able to remove their masks.

“Upon arrival in Portland, they did announce on that Alaska flight that they were no longer going to enforce the mask mandate and they’re not required at the airport either,” said Jim Palmer. “I was along with others clapping pretty enthusiastically, I travel a lot and it’s going to be nice not to have to wear the mask any longer.”

Following the change to national mandates, Alaska Airlines has announced the company would no longer require masks on its flights for guests or employees as well.

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