Abta has welcomed an assurance from Brussels that UK airlines will still be able to fly to and from the EU until next autumn even with a no-deal Brexit.
The European Commission yesterday extended the deadline in its unilateral contingency legislation until at least October 24, 2020.
The deadline for the contingency had been set for March 2020.
More: European Parliament backs no-deal Brexit flight arrangements
Abta welcomes no-deal Brexit flight contingency measures
The move follows lobbying by Abta with key EU destination countries to promote the mutual benefits of increasing consumer confidence for next summer’s peak season.
The extension will allow consumers to book their travel arrangements further in advance in the confidence that flight schedules will not be affected, Abta said.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said last night: “Abta has been pushing hard for this extension, which is to the mutual benefit of UK customers and the EU, and we are encouraged that the European Commission has responded today by extending the deadline.
“This legislation was originally passed as a contingency measure in the event of a no-deal scenario, an extension until at least October 2020 will give customers much needed confidence in making their travel plans.”
Abta is continuing to lobby the government, EU officials and destinations governments on issues relating to Brexit that are impacting the travel and tourism industry.
The travel association pledged to continue communicating directly with the travelling public to provide them with the information that they need to know in order to travel with confidence ahead of the planned Brexit date of October 31.
The latest development came as the government said a bill to stop a no-deal Brexit will complete its passage through the House Lords on Friday in the latest defeat for prime minister Boris Johnson.
More: European Parliament backs no-deal Brexit flight arrangements
Abta welcomes no-deal Brexit flight contingency measures
