Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
05 April 2017 08:51
Abta has called for an urgent aviation deal in the Brexit talks
The UK could face a "damaging" drop in flights if an aviation deal can't be sorted quickly in the Brexit negotiations, a travel trade group has warned.
According to Abta, airlines will have no fall-back option if no aviation agreement can be reached. The situation will be "critical" if existing deals are not either replaced or retained, the body said.
EU agreements currently underpin all of the UK's airline routes to the US and European Union.
If no deal can be reached on aviation, airlines won't be able to fall back on World Trade Organisation rules, Abta said. Instead, it suggested: " There is no international fall-back option, such as World Trade Organisation rules, that exists for the aviation sector.
"A reduction in the number of routes would be hugely damaging for holidaymakers, business travellers and visitors to the UK."
Prior to the June 23 in-out referendum on the country's membership of the EU, the group had warned that holidays could become more expensive in the event of a leave vote.
Leaving aside things like travel insurance which they buy before they fly, it's thought Britons spend billions on holidays to EU countries each year. In fact, Abta suggests the annual total stands at £19 billion.
Speaking to the Press Association news agency, Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said he hopes that the tourism industry will be "very high" on the UK's list of priorities in the Brexit negotiations.
He added: "I honestly believe the Government know aviation and transport are one of the first areas they need to address. I'm sure there are lots of sectors who say 'we're the most important sector and we've got to be top of priorities', but for an island nation I really think the transport links are very important. Not just for tourism but for business and for cargo."
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
[more...]
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.
03 May 2019
Why are there two bank holidays in May? Why do we celebrate May Day? These questions and more are answered in our look at the origins of the May bank holidays...
30 April 2019
Experience the magic of Matera! The 2019 European Capital of Culture, Southern Italy's famous ancient city of caves is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Get inspired for a last-minute getaway this bank holiday weekend! We explore five alternative European city break destinations perfect for a weekend away.
18 April 2019
How much do you know about Spain? Read up on some fascinating facts about Spain and learn more about magical mice, liquid gold and big pay-outs.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.