Airline CEOs were slammed for suggesting masks are unnecessary on flights.
During a U.S. Senate Committee hearing with lawmakers, the contentious mask mandate was discussed.
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said ‘masks don’t add much if anything in the air cabin environment, ‘which was a view apparently echoed by American Airlines CEO Doug Parker.
The remarks were knocked by Senator Ed Markey.
"I’m shocked that some of the CEOs here today have suggested that we no longer need mask mandates on planes. Children under five still cannot be vaccinated and we still allow unvaccinated people on planes to fly in our country."
"Frankly, it is so troubling that I don’t know where to begin," said Dr. Kavita Patel, who was an advisor in the Obama administration.
"If there is one thing that is crystal clear, it is that this is an airborne virus and there is very little doubt that masks play a significant role in reducing transmission."
Following a backlash, Doug Parker took to social media to clarify his comments.
"We support the federal mask mandate. Full stop," Parker said.
