Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Type 2000
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
While trying to clear Runway XL; the Tower Controller told us which taxiway to take. I could not understand him and asked again. I understood the second transmission; and we cleared the runway. Once clear I asked him where he wanted us to go. He gave instructions and then tried to explain why he gave a specific taxiway. We could not understand that transmission nearly at all. I then said; 'Sir; I can't understand what you're saying; your transmission is very muffled.' He then came through perfectly clear and then said; 'it's the mask;' or something to that effect.
Air carrier First Officer reported communication difficulties with the Tower Controller due to the Controller wearing a mask which possibly muffled the transmission.