UK Transport Secretary confirms flights will continue in event of a no-deal Brexit

The UK Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, has confirmed that the UK 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 if the UK leaves without a deal.

The Department for Transport claimed: “These proposals are a no deal contingency measure and will only come into force if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. The UK remains committed to securing a deal but continues to prepare for all scenario”

The European Commission has proposed allowing British airlines to fly to and from EU airports until March 2020, so long as Britain offers equivalent rights to EU airlines.

Britain has agreed to grant EU air carriers a level of access to the UK for the 12-month period, at least equivalent to the rights that would be granted to UK airlines under the EU's regulation.

The news has been welcomed by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), with CEO Mark Tanzer saying: “Today’s announcement provides further assurance that, whatever the outcome of Brexit, travellers can continue to book holidays and business trips with confidence.

 “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 plans are in place for a no-deal scenario, we encourage politicians to work to avoid a no-deal Brexit.”

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