Deal arranged for flights to Switzerland after departure from EU

A DEAL ensuring flights between the UK and Switzerland continue post-brexit has been reached.

The bilateral transport deal will replace the current agreement the UK and Switzerland share through an arrangement between Swiss authorities and the EU.

In 2017, 6.8 million passengers travelled by air between the countries, according to the Department for Transport (DFT).

Mr Grayling said: “The UK aviation sector is the biggest in Europe and will play an even more crucial role as we further develop as an outward looking global nation.

“These agreements will ensure Britain continues to prosper as we leave the EU and I’m confident the UK will reach a mutually beneficial deal, while we continue to prepare for all eventualities.”

He was due to travel to Switzerland yesterday to sign the agreement.

The move came as the Government sought to calm fears that a no-deal Brexit could have a major impact on travel plans.

Downing Street dismissed as “untrue” reports that people would be advised not to book holidays after March under proposed contingency guidance plans being drawn up for a no-deal scenario.

Mr Grayling has also written to all Tory MPS insisting people can have confidence about their travel plans.

He wrote: “Within the EU, both we and the Commission have been clear that in all circumstances there will be an agreement between the UK and the EU after Brexit, enabling routine aviation between UK airports and the EU to continue as normal.

“In the event that there wasn’t an implementation period, the arrangements default to a bilateral level, and I have discussed the future of aviation with virtually all of my member state counterparts.

“All are prepared to put in place rapid arrangements if needed, but none believe this will be necessary.

“Your constituents can therefore be confident in booking holidays for next summer.”

There have been 10 flight agreements recently agreed by the Government with countries, including the US, Canada and Brazil, to replace their EU equivalents.

Yesterday, the Government was also due to launch the Aviation 2050 consultation.

One of the proposals is a commitment to sign more air service agreements with countries around the world “in an effort to boost trade and tourism”, according to the department’s statement. Other proposals include requirements to reduce emissions and noise levels.

Plans to embed noise exposure levels in the planning approval process and the introduction of noise caps that will be “regularly reviewed and enforced” are part of the Aviation 2050 strategy.

The appointment of a chairman for the new Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise is also part of the consultation. John Stewart, chairman of HACAN, which represents residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said: “We welcome the proposal to reduce noise levels.”