How Brexit will Change the Aviation Industry
Photo source: Euorpean Parliament
Aviation is one of the sectors that will be affected from the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union.
As of January 1, 2021, the UK will leave the EU Single Market and Customs Union, as well as all EU policies and international agreements. It’s departure from the EU will create barriers to cross-border mobility and put an end to the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital with the bloc.
Although the official text of the new Brexit agreement between the EU and the UK has yet to be released, the European Commission has listed the consequences of the UK’s choice to leave the bloc.
Regarding aviation, connectivity between the UK and the EU will be highly affected among other things. More specifically:
– UK airlines no longer participate in the fully liberalised EU aviation market, meaning that they will no longer be considered as EU carriers and will lose existing traffic rights in the EU:
• They can no longer operate passenger and/or cargo flights between EU destinations based on UK-issued licence
• They can no longer operate passenger flights onwards to or from the EU (e.g. London-Amsterdam-Bangkok)
– UK no longer participates in or contributes to shaping standards in EU Aviation Safety Agency
Photo source: Euorpean Parliament
The Commission does note benefits of the EU-UK agreement on aviation:
– Unlimited point-to-point traffic between EU and UK airports
– Onward carriage will be possible for the carriage of cargo to/from a third country (e.g. Paris-London-New York), if Member States agree this bilaterally and reciprocally with the UK
– Cooperation on aviation safety, security and air traffic management
– Provisions on ground handling and slots (nondiscrimination & access), and passenger rights, on top of horizontal level playing field clauses on environment, social issues and competition
Free movement
Regarding the end of free movement for persons, UK citizens will no longer have the freedom to work, study, start a business or live in the EU. They will need visas for long-term stays in the EU. Border checks will apply, passports will need to be stamped, and EU pet passports will no longer be valid for UK residents.
The European Commission on December 24 reached the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the United Kingdom on the terms of its future cooperation with the European Union, following months of disagreements and intensive negotiations.
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