The association has called for urgent action on three “critical” air transport issues: uninterrupted continuation of air connectivity; the framework for regulating safety and security; and policies and processes needed for efficient border management.
“These are the most critical areas because there are no fallback agreements, such as the WTO [World Trade Organisation] framework, available in a ‘no-deal’ Brexit scenario,” said Iata director general and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac.
“Without any contingency planning being made transparent to the industry, the risks of not addressing these issues could mean chaos for travellers and interrupted supply chains. With less than six months to go, we have little more certainty than we did in June 2016.”
The call comes after the association released the findings of an Iata-commissioned study of the effects of the UK leaving the EU on airlines serving the UK.
Iata says even in the “best-case scenario”, where a Brexit transition is agreed for March 2019 onwards, a “high degree of uncertainty and risk to air services remains”.
It further warns any no-deal or “hard” Brexit scenario without a transition deal is like to lead to “significant disruption” to air services, adding the lack of transparency over contingency planning has left airlines “completely in the dark”.
“The EU and UK have a responsibility to millions of their citizens who depend on reliable air transportation,” said de Juniac. “The goal should be a comprehensive air services agreement that does not step backwards from the connectivity existing today.
“But with the possibility of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit still on the table this late in the game, it is now essential that the EU and UK civil aviation authorities plan for contingency arrangements to maintain a minimum level of connectivity, which is vital for people and for business.
“This has to be one of the most important Brexit considerations. A backstop contingency plan to keep planes flying after March must be published, and quickly.”
Below are Iata’s full warnings regarding safety and security and border management.
