That was the claim from the Airport Operators Association (AOA) which has warned that the lack of such air deals between Britain and the EU and other nations including the US, could see the UK’s aviation connectivity “undermined” and its ability to trade globally made “significantly more difficult”.
The call from the association came after a ComRes survey of 152 MPs which it had commissioned found that 86% considered the UK’s access to air links following its departure from the EU “more important than ever before”.
It added that forging new aviation agreements should be one of the government’s “top priorities” in the lead up to Britain’s EU exit.
Ed Anderson, AOA Chairman said: “International aviation connectivity will form the foundation upon which a truly global Britain is built, with already nearly three quarters of visitors to the UK - and 40% of the UK’s trade by value travelling by air - UK airports stand ready to facilitate this future connectivity.
“The UK was the driving force behind the open and liberal approach to air connectivity within the EU and between the EU and countries like the US and Canada. This move away from the old, restrictive approach to aviation has benefited consumers and businesses alike, more destinations are served from the UK more frequently and at lower fares.
“It is important that UK families going on holiday and businesspeople seeking out new trade opportunities can continue to enjoy the benefits we see today of an open aviation market.
“It is good to see MPs recognise this and believe, like the AOA does, that the UK government should prioritise new aviation agreements.
“This will ensure that the legal framework for aviation links with the EU, the US and other countries seamlessly continues once the UK leaves the EU. We look forward to working with the government to make the case at home and abroad for a deal that works for everyone.”
