Leaving the middle seat empty on planes can reduce the spread of Covid, says new study SECTIONS Leaving the middle seat empty on planes can reduce the spread of Covid, says new studyAP Last Updated: Apr 15, 2021, 07:11 PM IST Share iStock The airlines argue that filters and air-flow systems on most planes make them safe when passengers wear face masks. A new study says leaving middle seats open could give airline passengers more protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers said the risk of passengers being exposed to the virus from an infected person on the plane could be reduced by 23% to 57% if middle seats are empty, compared with a full flight.