Chris Grayling: ‘UK and EU determined to retain air links in any scenario’
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has sought to reassure the travel industry that there will be no disruption to flights after March 30, even if Britain crashes out of the European Union without a deal.
Writing to AITO chairman Derek Moore, Grayling said that a Sunday Times article on December 16, which said the government was considering warning people not to book holidays after March 30 in case of a no-deal Brexit, was ‘categorically untrue’.
He added: "Both the UK and the EU have made clear their desire to ensure flights between the UK and the EU continue in any scenario.
"Both the UK and the EU have a determination to retain the aviation links which bring such significant economic and cultural benefits for both sides. Indeed the UK made this clear in its technical notice on air services for flights to and from the UK published on 24 September.
"The EU set out its intention to ensure this outcome in a Commission communication on 13 November, and published the details of its proposed regulations on 19 December. The combined reassurances from both sides should ensure that businesses and passengers can continue to book and travel with confidence."
The EU proposal put forward on December 19 is that, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, ‘certain’ air services between the UK and the EU will continue for a further 12 months. It also suggested that the validity of certain air safety licences should continue for nine months.
The European Air Safety Agency has said UK-registered pilots will have to apply for authorisation to fly in the EU after March 30 in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
UK-registered Air Operator Certificate holders will have to apply by March 1 to receive authorisation by March 30.
In his letter to AITO, written on January 10 before the House of Commons rejected Theresa May’s Brexit deal this week, Grayling said he was exploring ‘what additional communications will be needed to provide further reassurance’ for people to continue to book trips after the end of March.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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