Ministers have no plans to impose a maximum number of passengers per plane on airlines, even if this means the 1.5 metre limit will not be kept, sources have told broadcaster RTL Nieuws.

MPs have called for clarity about social distancing rules on planes, now it has become apparent most airlines do not see the need to keep seats free in between passengers.

The institute says the risk to passengers can be reduced by limiting contact between passengers and crew and wearing a ‘non-medical’ face mask. In addition, 1.5 metre social distancing should be kept as much as possible, RTL quotes the RIVM as saying.

Confusion about social distancing on planes

The RIVM says the risk to passengers has also been reduced by introducing checks on passenger health and the specific ventilation in aircraft cabins. In addition, good source and contact tracing is essential, something which is made possible by the use of international passenger lists.