The UK government and European Commission have both reiterated that flights will continue to operate between the UK and EU, even in the case of a no-deal.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling put out a statement to clarify the issue, after a backlash from the travel industry to a Sunday Times report saying the government was poised to warn holidaymakers not to book travel post March 29 2019.
The EU Commission today released a no-deal contingency action plan which among 14 measures ensured the continuation of flights between the UK and the bloc, and would also allow UK hauliers to continue to carry goods into the EU.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “The European Commission’s proposals today are welcome.
“We need to study the detail, but any steps to ensure UK hauliers can continue carrying goods into the EU in the event of a no deal is good news, as is ensuring flights are maintained between the UK and EU immediately after Brexit.
“Whether for business or leisure, travellers can continue to book with confidence.
He said the UK government has already set out in its technical notices published on September 24 that it would permit EU airlines to fly to the UK, and would expect this to be reciprocated.
He added: “The UK stands ready in principle to consider taking reciprocal steps for EU hauliers coming here. We will consider the Commission’s proposals in greater detail over the coming days.”
Abta welcomed the statement.
Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: “UK citizens take over 50 million trips a year to Europe and it is the number one place people plan to visit next year. Today both the UK government and the European Commission reiterated that flights will continue to operate between the UK and the EU after Brexit, and we welcome the transport secretary’s clear statement that travellers can continue to book with confidence.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said: “This is yet further clarity that flights will continue between the UK and EU even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, as we have always said.
“Combined with the excellent progress government has made in concluding bilateral agreements with third countries – including the United States and Canada – passengers should have every confidence in booking holidays and trips for travel on 30 March and beyond.”
Airport Operators Association chief executive Karen Dee said yesterday: “Travellers looking to book their 2019 holidays, family visits and business trips can rest assured that there will be no disruption to their flights in a no-deal Brexit scenario, following the publication of the European Commission’s contingency action plan.
“This comes on top of the important steps the UK government has taken in concluding UK bilateral agreements with non-EU countries like the US and Canada where we currently fly to under a EU-level agreement.
“While an orderly transition period remains airports’ top priority, today’s announcements alongside the UK’s technical notices released in September this year, should reassure passengers that the UK’s essential air connectivity will continue to operate.”
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