Brexit would leave London “isolated” according to the boss of City Airport
Brexit would fundamentally undermine Britons' ability to trade and travel, according to the chief executive of London's City Airport.
Declan Collier, who also sits as president on the world board of trade body Airports Council International, has warned that a Leave vote this week would sever ties the industry's ties with the continent.
Writing for City A.M., Collier said: “If the UK were to leave the EU, its airlines would no longer enjoy automatic access to this market, or have the freedom to operate anywhere within the EU without restrictions on capacity, frequency or pricing.
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“Brexit would also undermine the free flow of trade and travel. Whether you travel for business or leisure that could mean fewer routes, less choice, higher airfares and a UK capital city that suddenly looks very isolated.”
Collier also argued that the vast majority more than two-thirds of UK business trips from the UK are to EU countries, while 73 per cent of business arrivals are from the EU, equating to 4.6m outbound and 6m inbound journeys.
“These journeys are vital to the UK’s success as a trading nation,” he said.
The comments represent Collier's first intervention in the Brexit debate and come with just days before the UK heads to the polls.
The airport boss also said that the Remain campaign has united the likes for airline manufacturers, travel agents and carriers.
“What concerns us and unites us currently is that leaving the EU would be a leap in the dark for UK aviation and the passengers we serve,” he said.