The COVID-safety rule was introduced this week.

It applies to all passengers, visitors and workers in the terminal area.

Masks must also be worn by people on domestic commercial flights and during landing and take-off.

However, children 12 and under and people with a physical or mental disability that makes wearing a mask unsuitable are exempt.

The requirement does not include other workers or visitors in the rest of the airport including inside hangars.

Orange City Council acting CEO Scott Maunder said council would work with police on the rule.

"Orange City Council will continue to support and follow the direction of the state and federal governments and the requirements of public health orders in relation to COVID-19," he said.

"Council is working with our local police to help ensure everyone using the Orange airport understands the obligation to wear masks.

"We'd like to thank Orange residents for their vigilant and pro-active response to the risk of COVID-19 in the community, especially in light of a recent case present in a visitor from Sydney."

It is expected people would bring their own masks however, it is understood emergency supplies will be available at the airport to ensure everyone complies.

Airlines flying into Orange are also carrying out temperature checks of passengers, where required.

One airline serving Orange, Rex, has thrown its support behind the mask-wearing rules.

Rex National Airports Manager David Brooksby said face masks were a "vital line of defence" against spreading the virus.

He said all Rex passengers were temperature-tested at check-in.

"On June 1 2020, Rex mandated the wearing of face masks at check-in counters, boarding gates, during tarmac transfers and upon disembarkation, as well as during the flight," he said.

"In addition, all Rex passengers are temperature-screened at check-in.

"Rex will always act in the best interest of its passengers and staff and will never compromise on safety even though Rex may have lost passengers who did not wish to comply."

The airline also confirmed it would continue to refund all tickets for flights affected by COVID-19, particularly through border closures and travel restrictions.