Brexit deal secured

24 December 2020: Following negotiations throughout 2020, a Brexit deal between the UK and EU was agreed on 24 December. On transport, the agreement provides for “continued and sustainable air, road, rail and maritime connectivity, though market access falls below what the Single Market offers. It includes provisions to ensure that competition between EU and UK operators takes place on a level playing field, so that passenger rights, workers' rights and transport safety are not undermined.” Of specific relevance to aviation, it was agreed that both the UK and EU will both have unlimited point-to-point traffic between airports (3rd and 4th freedoms), with scope for member states to agree bilateral 5th freedoms, as well as provisions on ground handling, slots and passenger rights. However, UK airlines can no longer operate passenger flights onwards to or from the EU. For further details and the full text of the agreement, click here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2531