Article from BTNews 9 SEPTEMBER 2019
Post-Brexit flight deadline extended
UK airlines will continue to be able to operate flights between the UK and the EU until at least October next year after the European Commission last week extended the deadline in its unilateral contingency legislation.
Under previous legislation, the deadline was set for March 2020. ABTA said the extension will now allow customers to book their travel further in advance in the confidence that flight schedules will not be affected.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said his department will also extend UK air traffic rights for EU airlines until October 2020, adding: “These extensions ensure business as usual for the foreseeable future.”
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "ABTA has been pushing hard for this extension, which is to the mutual benefit of UK customers and the EU, and we are encouraged that the European Commission has responded.”
Airport Operators Association (AOA) chief executive Karen Dee added: “The measures ensure flights between the UK and EU will be able to continue in a no-deal scenario.
“An orderly transition period remains airports’ top priority but this should reassure passengers the UK’s essential air connectivity will continue so they can book their 2020 business trips as well as holidays and family visits and with confidence.”
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport
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