Government confirms flights are protected in the event of a no-deal Brexit

It had previously only said flights "should" continue, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had warned of a ticket cap in the event of no-deal, which would stop ticket numbers exceeding those from last year, meaning up to five million extra seats planned for later this year could be "at risk".

But now, the UK Government says this cap has been removed and that it can give the public the assurance needed to book "with confidence".

What is being done to protect flights? 

Last week the European Commission announced it was putting plans in place for legislation, which would allow UK airlines to operate routes to and from the UK to EU countries. They will also be able to make stops in EU countries and fly over EU airspace.

Initially the European Commission had said flights for this year would be capped at summer 2018 levels in a no-deal scenario, however, it has now been confirmed by the UK Government that this has been removed from the final legislation. 

The regulations have been provisionally approved (and will apply until March 2020 or sooner if alternative arrangements are put in place) but the European Parliament is due to vote on Wednesday 13 March to approve them, with the final vote in the European Council to take place within the next two weeks.

The UK Government has today announced that it's reciprocating the EU's plans, and says this means flights are protected, regardless of what happens with Brexit. 

What does the Government say?

Aviation minister Baroness Elizabeth Sugg said: "Measures put forward by the UK and the EU will ensure that flights can continue in any scenario; deal or no deal.

"This is good news, not only for the industry but most importantly it reaffirms the fact that passengers can book flights with confidence, as normal.

"We expect these contingency measures will never be needed and our efforts remain focused on securing a deal from the EU."