What happened: The British Department for Transport announced March 7 the approval of contingency measures to provide protection for airlines operating between the United Kingdom and the European Union in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The measures are intended to complement similar steps taken by the European Union.
Why It Matters: The measures will reduce the possibility of flight disruptions between the United Kingdom and the European Union if the country leaves the bloc on March 29 without a deal. Meanwhile, Brussels is working on its own regulations to allow British airlines to fly to and from EU countries until the end of March 2020 even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Background: Roughly 164 million passengers travel between the United Kingdom and the European Union each year. If the country leaves the bloc without a deal in place, it would also no longer be part of the EU single market, which could disrupt airlines operating between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Read More:
- U.K.: May Opens the Door to a Delayed Brexit (Feb. 26, 2019)
- U.K.: What an Irish Border Vote Means for May (Jan. 29, 2019)
- U.K.: What's Next for Brexit After a Historic Defeat in Parliament? (Jan. 15, 2019)
