UK matches EU offer to protect flying rights in event of no-deal Brexit

The UK government has said it will match the EU's offer to protect flying rights in the event of a no-deal Brexit, allowing planes to take off unhindered after 29 March. 

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had "adopted this approach to provide reassurance and minimise disruption — providing a cushion during which future air services arrangements can be negotiated".

The deal comes after the EU announced last December that flights from the UK into and over the EU would be allowed for 12 months to enable "basic connectivity" if the UK leaves the bloc without a deal.

As well as the 12-month guarantee the EU proposed that regulation be extended by about 9 months to ensure that certain aviation licences remain valid.

Today the government said it would match the EU's 12-month guarantee.

"The UK believes restrictions on ownership and control in aviation are outdated, and do not reflect the reality of the global capital markets," the DfT said.

"What matters is that an airline is safe, secure and properly regulated, not the nationality of the owner."

The government said the proposals were a no-deal contingency measure and would only come into force if it failed to reach a negotiated withdrawal from the EU.

The announcement was welcomed by airlines, who said it gave passengers and cargo operators "certainty and confidence".

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways, said: “We welcome that the UK has confirmed its plans to allow flights to continue in a no-deal scenario, as the EU has also done. This gives passengers and cargo operators the certainty and confidence that they can continue to fly as normal after the UK has left the EU.”

Rory Boland, travel editor of the consumer watchdog Which, added: “Millions of holidaymakers will be relieved that significant progress has been made to ensure flights take off as planned and consumer rights are protected in the event of a no-deal Brexit – but vital questions remain unanswered.

“People are still being presented with confusing information on how many months of passport validity will be required to travel to EU countries, or what plans are in place to prevent huge queues at EU airports that could occur as a result of additional security checks.

“With the clock ticking down, the government must urgently explain the potential consequences to holidaymakers so that they have clear, accessible and accurate information before they travel.”

Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, Karen Dee said: “While an orderly transition period remains airports’ top priority, today’s announcement alongside the EU’s no-deal contingency regulations, should reassure passengers that the UK’s essential air connectivity will continue to operate.”