The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced they do not know the full extent of effects that could come after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
Although most passenger flights will go ahead—despite the decision of UK Members of Parliament to reject the UK-EU Brexit agreement—there remains a level of uncertainty for both travelers and airlines about post-Brexit air connectivity.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, said: “Current flight levels will be protected even with a hard Brexit is an important assurance but with two months left until Britain leaves the EU, airlines still do not know exactly what kind of Brexit they should plan for.
“There is legal and commercial uncertainty over how the commission’s plan to cap flight numbers. In the small window remaining before Brexit it is imperative that the EU and UK prioritize finding a solution that brings certainty to airlines, planning growth to meet demand, and to travelers planning business trips and family holidays.”
A no deal Brexit could lead to a cap on flights, stunting important economic opportunities that may lead to higher prices for consumers. The proposed guidance from the EU Commission, in the event of no deal, calls for current flight levels between the UK and the EU to be maintained. This does not, however, allow for an increase in flight numbers in 2019 compared to 2018.
Researched collated by IATA estimates that up to five-million additional seats are scheduled for this year (2019) compared to 2018, in order to meet consumer demand. The majority of these will be in the summer season when many families go on holiday. These travelers are at risk if a no deal Brexit occurs.
