No-deal Brexit flight contingency plans ‘fall short’
Air passengers could still face major disruption to services if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, according to Brussels-based group Business Europe.
In a letter to the secretariat general of the EU Celine Gauer, it said the contingency measures aimed at mitigating the damage of a no-deal Brexit fell short of what is needed to limit major disruptions.
The UK Prime Minister has this week agreed with EU leaders that Britain’s departure will be delayed until May 22 if MPs vote to accept her Brexit deal next week.
However, if Theresa May’s deal is rejected, the EU has allowed an extension only until April 12, at which point the UK must make clear its next steps or leave without a deal.
In its letter to the EU, Business Europe said it believed this could create disruption on 10 areas, including aviation.
"The Commission’s actions in this area may not be enough to prevent disruptions in the European aviation sector," it said.
Of particular concern are the transfer of licences, issuing of route licences and foreign carrier permits where applicable, and the system for flight plans to be submitted and approved, it said.
However, UK transport secretary Chris Grayling has repeatedly insisted that flights to and from Europe will continue as normal after Britain leaves the EU, with or without a deal.
Yesterday, May said she will be ‘working hard’ to get her deal through the House next week when it is expected to be put to a vote for the third – and possibly final – time, despite the Speaker John Bercow insisting that ‘substantial changes’ must be made to the deal before he will allow the vote to go ahead.
Earlier this month, Colin Downing, UK managing director of river cruise operator Scenic, said a short delay was a worst case scenario for the industry.
ABTA said the industry needs to continue to plan for any eventuality and to make sure customers are aware of any actions they may need to take to avoid unnecessary disruption in the event of a no-deal.
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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