101 UK Brexit Notes

Connemara Programme October 16 2018 pg. 20 Slot allocation The current rules for the allocation of slots at UK airports would remain unchanged in the event of no deal. The EU regulation for slot allocation would be retained by the EU Withdrawal Act, which requires slots to be allocated to airlines in a transparent and non-discriminatory way. The process for allocation of slots at EU airports will remain the same. Air traffic management There would be no disruption to the UK’s provision of air navigation services as a result of leaving the EU without a deal. EU countries, and the UK, in common with all other states, have international obligations to provide air navigation services in accordance with standards and recommended practices set by ICAO under the Chicago Convention. As previously stated, the rights for airlines to operate air services over EU or UK territory are established by a longstanding worldwide treaty, the International Air Services Transit Agreement, which the UK and almost all EU countries are signatories to. The UK would also remain a full member of EUROCONTROL and a contributor to EUROCONTROL’s functions and services. EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organisation of 41 countries designed to foster close co-operation in air traffic management across the wider European continent, and the UK’s participation in EUROCONTROL is independent of our EU membership. The UK’s air navigation service provider (NATS) will continue to provide services to aircraft operating in the airspace in which NATS is licensed to operate. NATS will continue to work collaboratively with neighbouring air navigation service providers to ensure the service is safe and efficient, principally through the UK’s EUROCONTROL membership. The UK would continue to have a system of economic and performance regulation for NATS, but this would be delivered under the Transport Act 2000 rather than the EU Single European Sky (SES) Performance and Charging Scheme. The UK would no longer be able to directly participate in the EU’s SES initiative, which was designed to increase the efficiency of air navigation services across the EU. The UK would continue to work through EUROCONTROL to ensure the safe and efficient management of airspace across its 41 members. The UK will continue to lead the way in providing safe and efficient air traffic control services. In addition, the Withdrawal Act would preserve existing EU safety, airspace, and interoperability regulations in domestic law. Passenger rights For air passengers on a flight departing the UK, the same passenger rights as apply today would continue to apply after the UK left the EU. EU passenger rights legislation will be retained in domestic law by the Withdrawal Act.  Passengers subject to denied boarding, delay or cancellation, would be entitled to assistance and compensation on the same basis as today  Passengers with reduced mobility would still be entitled to the same assistance from airports and airlines  UK consumer protection in the event of insolvency of a travel provider would continue to apply Passengers should examine and ensure that they understand the terms and conditions of their booking. As always, passengers are advised to check the FCO travel advice before travelling and ensure that they have appropriate travel insurance . Passengers are responsible for ensuring that their insurance and ticket terms and conditions are sufficient to cover possible disruption; and should not expect government assistance in this situation.