Government confirms no changes to air travel to EU if UK leaves without a deal
ABTA has welcomed today’s confirmation from the Government that it will reciprocate the European Union’s arrangements for air travel in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
This means that EU airlines will be able to continue to operate flights between the UK and the EU, even in the event of Britain leaving the EU without a deal.
It reciprocates the plans the European Commission is putting in place, which would allow UK airlines to operate routes to and from the UK to EU countries. They will also be able to make stops in EU countries and fly over EU airspace.
The European Parliament is due to vote next Wednesday to approve the legislation, with the final vote in Council to take place within the next two weeks.
Initially the European Commission said flights for this year would be capped at Summer 2018 levels if there was no deal between the EU and the UK, however the cap has been removed from the final legislation.
ABTA and the wider travel industry have been lobbying officials in Brussels and destination Governments about the air travel cap, highlighting the detrimental impact it would have on the growth of tourism and destination’s economies.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "Today’s announcement provides further assurance that, whatever the outcome of Brexit, travellers can continue to book holidays and business trips with confidence.
"Europe is the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers with 58 million trips made to the continent each year. More than three in five people~are planning to take a trip to Europe this year, so travellers will be pleased to see the final confirmation from the UK on their ability to fly even in the event of a no-deal.
"It’s worth remembering that if the UK and the EU agree a deal, we will be in a transition period and everything will stay the same for travel until the end of 2020 – meaning people can continue to travel to the EU exactly as they do now.
"While it is encouraging that there are plans in place for a no-deal scenario, we encourage politicians to work to avoid a no-deal Brexit."
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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