EasyJet passengers flying home from the popular Portuguese island of Madeira are being issued an unusual request by cabin crew before take-off. The airline instructs some travelers to cover their "eyes, nose and mouth" during a mandatory disinsection procedure, which involves spraying the aircraft cabin with insecticide to prevent the spread of mosquitoes, particularly those carrying dengue fever.
Mandatory Disinsection on Flights from Madeira
The procedure is required or strongly recommended for all flights departing from Madeira, as mandated by Portuguese regulators and the World Health Organisation (WHO). EasyJet's website states: "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 inside of the aircraft with insecticide once all passengers are on board and the doors are sealed, typically just before take-off.
Safety and Health Advice
The sprays used are fully approved and deemed safe for passengers. However, for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, or cystic fibrosis, EasyJet advises: "Please make sure you cover your eyes, nose and mouth while the disinsection process takes place." The airline notes that this practice is common for many destinations, including Italy, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, India, Thailand, Seychelles, and Zimbabwe.
TUI Airways also provides similar guidance for flights from certain destinations, using an environmentally friendly, non-flammable insecticide endorsed by the WHO. The WHO provides guidelines for disinsection procedures, but requirements are ultimately determined by national authorities at the arrival destination.
