She found it “interesting” that cabin crew weren’t wearing one, but added that this wouldn’t put her off taking another BA flight. “I don’t worry too much about other people.”

Other mask-wearers cited personal reasons. Mitchell Rosenberg, from the US, explained that his wife works with elderly people. “She can’t afford to get [the virus], and I can’t afford to give it to her”. 

In the arrivals hall, Donald McIntosh, in his mid-50s and from Aberdeenshire, was wearing a FFP2 mask – the thicker, rigid kind that were originally designed for healthcare workers. He had travelled to Norway for a sporting competition. “If an athlete tests positive, it’s game over,” he said.

Donald knew when booking his ticket that BA had relaxed its rules. “I did notice that the cabin crew weren’t wearing them, but there are always passengers who take them off [on flights], even when they’re mandatory.” He’d said he’d “happily” take a flight with the airline again, even if masks were not required. 

Despite the confusion at the gate, there was no tension on board. No one challenged the cabin crew or their fellow passengers. There were no disapproving looks for going mask-free. It felt like a return to normal of sorts, heralding the beginning of what was a completely hassle-free holiday in Norway. 

I envisaged more hostility on my return flight with Ryanair – the low-cost carrier has yet to ease its mask requirements. 

At the gate in Oslo airport, I counted only two people wearing masks. Then the airline staff arrived and asked passengers to prepare to embark.

“You have to wear a mask on board,” one informed the queue. 

“Can I buy one from you?” asked a young man. 

“I think most people won’t have one,” said another. 

I got chatting to the former passenger in the queue. Joel Hayalu, 22, from Oslo, had by then found a mask, donated by someone else in line.

“Without him, I don’t know what I would’ve done, it’s too late to turn around [and go back to the shops] now.

“I was surprised [they just asked us to wear masks],” he added. “You don’t have to wear face masks here in Norway, I don’t think you need to in the UK either, so I don’t understand why you have to wear it on the way over there.”

Adam Dhibette, 21, from London, agreed. “It’s very uncomfortable to wear one; I’d rather not,” he said.