EU official Henrik Hololei sounds warning on post-Brexit flights as time is ticking to secure a deal

A European Union official has warned that time is ticking on sorting out the arrangement for post-Brexit flights between Britain and the bloc,

Henrik Hololei, the director general for mobility and transport at the European Commission, said the effects on the aviation industry could be significant after 29 March, when Britain is set to leave the EU.

“The possibility still exists that on day one, no flights operate,” he was quoted by Reuters as saying at a CAPA Centre for Aviation conference in Dublin.

“One thing is clear, is that this is a very sad chapter currently being written,” he said.

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Hololei said that before any discussions got underway on aviation specifically, and any other sector for that matter, the general framework of Britain’s departure from the bloc had to be agreed first.

Airlines and airports have repeatedly called for a new deal between Britain and the rest of the EU to slot in to replace the open skies set-up.

The industry has wanted this secured in good time for Brexit, citing the very long lead times that airlines have on selling tickets and the need for certainty as a result.

Carriers such as Ryanair have discussed plans to roll out a Brexit clause in tickets going on sale for 2019 explaining that flights are “subject to the regulatory environment allowing this flight to take place”.

The government has said aviation is “absolutely crucial to the UK’s economy” and that it remains “committed to getting the best possible deal for Britain”.

Former London City Airport boss Declan Collier warned last year of the vested interests of other European countries influencing the discussions on aviation eyeing a competitive advantage. His successor Robert Sinclair though, told City A.M. last month that he was “increasingly confident” a Brexit deal would be done by 2019.

Meanwhile Willie Walsh, the boss of British Airways owner IAG, has said: “The prospect of there being no flying between the UK and Europe, I don’t agree with at all, because it goes well beyond that. I think this would bring the whole of Europe to a standstill. It’s not just about isolating the UK.”

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