The title of the article is highly misleading. The point is that the EU will allow a device on board of the aircraft that facilitates the use of 5G aboard by mobile phone users. It's not about airplane mode at all.

Airplane mode hasn't been required since 2014: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-allows-electronic-devices-remain-and-connected-throughout-flight