EasyJet says 'cover nose and mouth' when flying home from popular EU country

EasyJet passengers flying home from a popular European destination will experience something during their flight that they may not be familiar with when flying to other countries. Some passengers are even urged by the airline to cover their "eyes, nose and mouth" during the process. EasyJet flights departing from the Portuguese island of Madeira , specifically the capital Funchal , to the UK and other destinations, are usually sprayed with insecticide before takeoff. This is done to stop mosquitoes from being transported, especially to help fight against dengue fever. The procedure is either required or strongly recommended for airlines operating out of Madeira. On EasyJet's website , a statement about it reads: "The Portuguese regulators and World Health Organisation (WHO) have mandated that all flights from Madeira are required to be disinsected before departure." It goes on to explain: "This process involves cabin crew spraying the inside of the aircraft with insecticide to ensure that insects are not brought into the country. The disinsection must take place once all customers are on board." Cabin crews typically use a special insecticide spray on the plane after everyone has boarded and the doors are shut, usually right before takeoff. The sprays they use are safe and approved for passengers. For anyone who suffers with respiratory problems, the airline says: "Please make sure you cover your eyes, nose and mouth whilst the disinsection process takes place." According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence , respiratory conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, covid-19 and cystic fibrosis. EasyJet also says it "is common practice for many destinations". For instance, Italy requires disinsection for flights from areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present. On TUI's website, the airline also shares similar guidance for passengers flying from Barbados, India, Italy, Jamaica and Madeira. It says: "Due to regulatory requirements, airlines are obligated to spray the aircraft cabin with insecticide on several flight routes. "TUI Airways uses an environmentally friendly, non-flammable aircraft insecticide that’s endorsed and recommended by the World Health Organisation, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards. The treatment is necessary to avoid the introduction of insects at our destination airport". The WHO provides guidelines for disinsection procedures and locations. More information can be viewed on the WHO's website . The latest edition of WHO's aircraft disinsection methods and procedures can be read online. A snippet of it says: "Requirements for aircraft disinsection are determined by national authorities at the arrival destination. WHO recommendations can only be advisory to national authorities."