European rivals plot to sabotage UK airlines

EuropE’s biggest airlines are conspiring to punish uK rivals after Britain leaves the Eu.

In a move that would result in rocketing fares and fewer flights for British passengers, some of the Continent’s biggest carriers are advocating a tough postBrexit aviation deal.

Leaked briefing documents seen by the Daily Mail show they want British airlines to be treated as ‘third country citizens’ in a move that would severely reduce the number of routes they can operate within the Eu.

Germany’s Lufthansa, Frenchowned KLM and TAp portugal are among the foreign carriers that have backed the briefing – which pushes for the uK to lose its coveted ‘cabotage’ rights that enable airlines to fly freely in and around the Eu.

EasyJet, Jet2 and Monarch

‘Prices are likely to rise’

would not be able fly within or between Eu countries.

The European airlines are also pushing for the uK to be granted an aviation agreement similar to those of Israel and Morocco, conferring only ‘third party’ status.

In these cases, Eu states decide who can fly, how many flights can be operated and where passengers can fly to.

James Daley, of Fairer Finance, said: ‘This is just another trap that the British Government are going to have to navigate as they proceed with their Brexit negotiations. It’s up to the Government to ensure that they negotiate a fair deal which protects the interest of British citizens.’

Emma Coulthurst, of holiday price comparison site Travel supermarket, said: ‘If the number of flights which a uK airline can take to an airport is restricted, prices are likely to rise.’

Airlines uK, whose members include easyJet, Flybe, British Airways, Thomas Cook and Monarch, said it was aware of the briefing document, which has been circulating since May 11.

Tim Alderslade, its chief executive, said: ‘We would encourage ministers to seek as liberal and open arrangements as possible, including cabotage rights.

‘This is a technical issue that needs to be resolved but … We fully expect flights to be protected because the benefits to both consumers and companies across the uK and the rest of Europe are so significant.’

But ryanair boss Michael o’Leary said: ‘The French and Germans aren’t sitting on the sidelines. They’re going to actively shaft BA and EasyJet. This is a historic opportunity for them and it’s in their briefing document – no internal flights between Europe for any uK airline even if there is a bilateral agreement. EasyJet are s******* themselves.’