Airlines and airports: supporting recovery in the UK aviation sector

Transport Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 10 Sep 2021 Closed: 14 Nov 2022 Parliament page
This inquiry will be examining airlines’ and airports’ recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The sessions will also examine the effects of the Government’s policy on international travel, including the system for international travel and travel requirements such as PCR testing. This inquiry will consider: Airlines’ and airports’ recovery from the … Read more
17 Recommendations
10 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
10 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 20 events
11 Jul
2022
Report published
25 Apr
2022
Report published
15 Dec
2021
Oral evidence
15 Dec
2021
Correspondence
15 Dec
2021
Correspondence
15 Dec
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
1 Dec
2021
Oral evidence
1 Dec
2021
Correspondence
1 Dec
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
17 Nov
2021
Oral evidence
17 Nov
2021
Correspondence
17 Nov
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
15 Dec 2021
View on parliament.uk
Dr Jenny Harries OBE · UK Health Security Agency Edward Wynne-Evans · UK Health Security Agency Jonathan Mogford · UK Health Security Agency Richard Moriarty · Civil Aviation Authority Robert Courts MP · Department for Transport
1 Dec 2021
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Brian McClean · AGS Airports Limited Cait Hewitt · Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) Clive Coleman · Regional and City Airports Dr Andy Jefferson · Sustainable Aviation Helena Bennett · Green Alliance Kay Ryan · Loganair Limited
17 Nov 2021
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Karen Dee · Airport Operators Association Neena Bhati · Which? Rt Hon Jenny Willott OBE · CAA Consumer Panel Tim Alderslade · Airlines UK Willie Walsh · International Air Transport Association
21 Sep 2021
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Colm Lacy · British Airways John Holland-Kaye · Heathrow Airport Sophie Dekkers · easyJet Stewart Wingate · Gatwick Airport Limited
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for take-off HC 683 25 Apr 2022 27 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
27 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The way in which the Government introduced international travel restrictions during the pandemic was inconsistent,...
The way in which the Government introduced international travel restrictions during the pandemic was inconsistent, confusing industry and passengers. The aviation industry, which connects the UK to the world, experienced severe economic difficulties due to Government restrictions that were not … Read more
Government Response
The Government published Flightpath to the Future on May 26, a strategic framework for the future of aviation, focusing on sector recovery, innovation, and efficiency, including a ten-point plan and the launch of an Aviation Council.
Department for Transport
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant...
The reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK. The Government appeared to recognise that outcome and belatedly reversed most of those restrictions in early January 2022. Overly strict international travel … Read more
Government Response
The Government agrees with the conclusion that the reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
Department for Transport
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
We welcome the Government’s decision to remove all international travel requirements.
We welcome the Government’s decision to remove all international travel requirements. We also welcome the Government’s statement that future international travel contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances. That decision gives the UK a competitive advantage over countries … Read more
Government Response
The Government agrees with the conclusion and states that the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, and governments worldwide have had to balance competing objectives. They adapted their approach over time, learning lessons and taking a more targeted and time limited approach where possible, whilst focussing on protecting public health.
Department for Transport
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4 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
As the aviation industry’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is now well under way,...
As the aviation industry’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is now well under way, the Government’s aviation recovery plan must be published as a priority. That strategy should be published no later than 1 June 2022, when the summer … Read more
Government Response
The Government published Flightpath to the Future on May 26, a strategic framework for the future of aviation, focusing on sector recovery, innovation, and efficiency, including a ten-point plan and the launch of an Aviation Council.
Department for Transport
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5 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must build international travel into its future pandemic resilience planning, developing a transparent...
The Government must build international travel into its future pandemic resilience planning, developing a transparent and predictable system that can be used to facilitate safe international travel during potential future health crises. The Government’s strategy for the recovery of the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation to build international travel into future pandemic resilience planning and states they will learn lessons from COVID-19 and build resilience to future pandemics and threats to public health. They say they will work closely with industry on resilience but don't commit to a specific plan beyond what is stated in "Flightpath to the Future".
Department for Transport
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6 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: •...
The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: • International travel restrictions must be evidenced by transparent advice and analysis that the Government makes publicly available. Such analysis must detail the rationale and evidence … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that restrictions on international travel must be proportionate and comparable to the rest of the UK economy and will continue to work with industry on contingency planning, but makes no commitment to compensate the industry for economic losses.
Department for Transport
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7 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must convene a global taskforce to promote the standardisation of the remaining international...
The Government must convene a global taskforce to promote the standardisation of the remaining international travel requirements that were introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Government should pursue bilateral negotiations with countries with high rates of vaccination to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendation but notes that border measures are a sovereign prerogative. However, they agree on supporting greater alignment on international travel requirements and will continue to have a leadership role in shaping the global framework, as well as continue to engage bilaterally with other states.
Department for Transport
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8 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
Under-regulation has resulted in a dysfunctional travel testing market.
Under-regulation has resulted in a dysfunctional travel testing market. The travel testing market was established with no clear protections or means of recourse for consumers. To date, the onus has been on consumers to perform market research, which has required … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating DHSC and UKHSA have worked with the CMA to improve the travel testing market, including removing providers and monitoring issues, but does not agree that the CMA needs to review the operation of the market for antigen travel tests.
Department for Transport
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9 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
Although the UK has, at the time of writing (April 2022), removed all testing requirements...
Although the UK has, at the time of writing (April 2022), removed all testing requirements for international travel, many other countries have retained testing requirements. Therefore, some passengers will need to access safe and affordable coronavirus testing options in the … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating DHSC and UKHSA have worked with the CMA to improve the travel testing market, including removing providers and monitoring issues, but does not agree that the CMA needs to review the operation of the market for antigen travel tests.
Department for Transport
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10 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must introduce an Airline Insolvency Bill in the next Session of Parliament to...
The Government must introduce an Airline Insolvency Bill in the next Session of Parliament to set out a framework to handle future airline insolvencies to protect the interests of consumers, employees and taxpayers.
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation, agreeing to consider the Airline Insolvency Review's recommendations and deliver on those deemed appropriate, while an Airline Insolvency Bill will be introduced as soon as practicable; additionally, the CAA published a consultation on ATOL reform.
Department for Transport
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11 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible...
In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible and modern tools to enforce consumer rights before 48 UK aviation: reform for take-off the end of 2021. Although long overdue, the Government is now … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the conclusion and is considering the CAA having additional powers, as part of the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation. They state that aviation consumer laws are in place to protect consumers’ rights and that airlines are under a legal obligation to pay refunds within 7 days, provide compensation, where appropriate, and to provide clear information to passengers in the event of cancellation, long delays or if a passenger is denied boarding.
Department for Transport
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12 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
In the absence of additional powers, the Civil Aviation Authority must utilise its existing powers...
In the absence of additional powers, the Civil Aviation Authority must utilise its existing powers to challenge businesses and to pursue enforcement orders from the courts to tackle infringements of consumer rights in relation to refunds. Although that process may … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the conclusion. They state that the CAA is able to enforce aviation consumer law where infringements harm the collective interests of consumers and that they are currently exploring options to go further in this area through the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation.
Department for Transport
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13 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must introduce a mechanism to ensure that when entitled to a refund by...
The Government must introduce a mechanism to ensure that when entitled to a refund by law, airline passengers are granted automatic compensation, eliminating the need for customers manually to apply for a refund.
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation and states that automatic compensation has been raised in some responses to the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation and will be considered as part of the analysis of responses. They understand there are a number of practical challenges to overcome to enable automatic refunds and compensation, and would require further work alongside industry to be able to consider this further.
Department for Transport
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14 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
We welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on the length of delay that should...
We welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on the length of delay that should trigger compensation for domestic flights as part of its airline passenger rights consultation, as well as the requirement that all airlines that fly to and … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation regarding compensation for domestic flights and states that automatic compensation will be considered as part of the analysis of responses to the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation, with a new Aviation Passenger Charter to be published.
Department for Transport
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15 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
It is disappointing that the Government’s ‘reforming aviation consumer policy: protecting air passenger rights’ consultation...
It is disappointing that the Government’s ‘reforming aviation consumer policy: protecting air passenger rights’ consultation does not seek views on the enforcement of consumer rights in relation to the private testing market for travel. The consultation should be expanded to … Read more
Government Response
The government does not agree that the consultation should be expanded to assess the private travel testing market, as the consultation was not specifically COVID-19 related. They state that the issues facing consumers have been dealt with separately through CMA reviews and DHSC and UKHSA actions.
Department for Transport
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16 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
Implementing more flexible rules on the provision of Public Service Obligation routes can improve connectivity...
Implementing more flexible rules on the provision of Public Service Obligation routes can improve connectivity between the four nations of the UK. To improve domestic air connectivity, we agree with the Union Connectivity Review’s recommendation that the Government must revise … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation and states that the Department for Transport will continue to consider opportunities to utilize Public Service Obligations (PSOs), alongside other policy measures. They plan to respond to the Union Connectivity Review's recommendations on PSOs later this year.
Department for Transport
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome.
The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome. However, that system will not be introduced until 1 April 2023. The Government should bring that date forward to 1 July 2022 to support domestic routes that might otherwise collapse because … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation but will not bring forward the date of the Air Passenger Duty changes, citing the need to provide airlines with sufficient notice and acknowledge booking cycles.
Department for Transport
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18 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The delivery of the airspace modernisation strategy cannot be subject to further delay.
The delivery of the airspace modernisation strategy cannot be subject to further delay. Urgent attention is required if the strategy’s target deadlines are to be met. The need to deliver the strategy’s initiatives is particularly acute in the context of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of airspace modernization for aviation decarbonization and highlights the roles of the Department for Transport, the Jet Zero Council, and the Airspace Change Organising Group in addressing this issue.
Department for Transport
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19 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
Despite the importance of airspace modernisation, and the relative speed with which it could be...
Despite the importance of airspace modernisation, and the relative speed with which it could be introduced compared with other decarbonisation measures, the Airspace Change Organising Group is not a member of the Jet Zero Council. The Committee recommends that the … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the importance of systems efficiencies, including airspace modernisation, to achieving decarbonisation.
Department for Transport
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20 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must take steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions as air transport movements increase.
The Government must take steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions as air transport movements increase. The Government should continue to invest in new aviation decarbonisation technologies, including synthetic aviation fuels, to ensure that the UK aviation sector emits less than … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees and outlines investments including £685m for the Aerospace Technology Institute and over £200m for the advanced fuels industry and SAF plants.
Department for Transport
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21 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
If the Government is to achieve its targets on net-zero aviation, new sustainability policies will...
If the Government is to achieve its targets on net-zero aviation, new sustainability policies will be required for the aviation sector, which in turn will require robust regulation. The Government must review how the Civil Aviation Authority’s powers can be … Read more
Government Response
The Government has noted this recommendation, and states that as they continue to develop and implement policies to achieve net zero aviation, they will consider if the CAA have the appropriate powers. They state that the DfT continues to work closely with the CAA in the development of our Jet Zero Strategy.
Department for Transport
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22 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must introduce a market mechanism to support investment in sustainable aviation technologies.
The Government must introduce a market mechanism to support investment in sustainable aviation technologies. The Committee has been investigating market mechanisms that the Government might introduce to scale up alternative fuels in our ongoing inquiry, Fuelling the future: motive power … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the aviation industry's role in achieving net zero targets, referencing existing funding and programmes like the Aerospace Technology Institute programme and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).
Department for Transport
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must not reimpose the 80:20 rule until the effects of the Russian invasion...
The Government must not reimpose the 80:20 rule until the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the UK aviation market are apparent. That will protect against a potential increase in the number of ghost flights operated by legacy … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation regarding the 80:20 rule and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the regulations for slots alleviation and the monitoring of the invasion's impact, but not making a commitment to avoid reimposition of the rule.
Department for Transport
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24 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Government must include a review of the slot allocation system in its strategy for...
The Government must include a review of the slot allocation system in its strategy for the recovery of the UK aviation sector. The strategy must: a) consider alternatives to the existing slots framework to encourage new entrants, capitalising on the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendations and is considering reforms to the slot allocation system in the UK to encourage competition and provide connectivity, with a consultation on options for reform expected later this year.
Department for Transport
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25 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The Civil Aviation Authority must factor in the premise that Heathrow is one of the...
The Civil Aviation Authority must factor in the premise that Heathrow is one of the most expensive global airports when making its decision on the price control. Ensuring that the airport’s charging is set at a fair range can create … Read more
Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation. They state that the CAA is independent of government in its role as economic regulator of Heathrow, through powers granted by the 2012 Civil Aviation Act. The CAA sets a cap on Heathrow’s airport charges per passenger, which are recovered from airlines and ultimately passengers.
Department for Transport
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26 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
The UK aviation sector’s recovery from the pandemic is still in its early stages.
The UK aviation sector’s recovery from the pandemic is still in its early stages. The Civil Aviation Authority’s price control proposals, due to be implemented in summer 2022, must be postponed by one year to allow the collection of further … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendation but notes the CAA is independent. The CAA has extended its timetable for implementing the new licence to ensure it has sufficient time to conduct robust analysis and consultations and expects to publish further information in its final proposals in June 2022.
Department for Transport
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27 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform…
To help airports and airlines manage the sudden increase in demand for aviation, the Government...
To help airports and airlines manage the sudden increase in demand for aviation, the Government should: • prioritise the timely processing of checks for applicants for positions at airports; • allow applicants for airport positions to start supervised classroom training, … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendations. UKSV has prioritized applications for national security vetting from the aviation sector, and a Statutory Instrument was introduced on 29 April 2022 to amend retained law on background checks and temporarily allow some training courses to proceed before referencing checks from previous employers have been completed.
Department for Transport
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Government Response AI assessment · 27 of 17 classified
Accepted 4
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 14
Deferred 4
Rejected 1
Total 17 recs + 10 conclusions
Correspondence 10 letters
15 Dec 2021 Correspondence from Chair to Rt Hon Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health, relating to additional measures imposed on international travellers, dated 9 December 2021
Parliament page
15 Dec 2021 Correspondence from Paul Kellaway, Assistant Director for Advocacy, Nations and External Relations, Competition and Markets Authority, relating to competition impacts of airport slot allocation, dated 7 December 2021
Parliament page
1 Dec 2021 Correspondence from Which?, relating to airlines and aviation: supporting recovery of the UK aviation sector, dated 19 November 2021
Parliament page
17 Nov 2021 Correspondence from Dr Johanna Hutchinson, Director of Data and Data Science, Department of Health and Social Care, relating to French amber restrictions, dated 23 September 2021
Parliament page
21 Oct 2021 Correspondence from Sophie Dekkers, Chief Commercial Officer, Easyjet, relating to airlines and airports: supporting recovery of the UK aviation sector
Parliament page
22 Sep 2021 Correspondence from Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, relating to international travel system, dated 13 September 2021
Parliament page
8 Sep 2021 Correspondence from Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, relating to international travel and traffic light system, dated 27 August 2021
Parliament page
8 Sep 2021 Correspondence from Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, relating to international travel update, dated 6 August 2021
Parliament page
7 Sep 2021 Correspondence from Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of Transport, relating to safe, sustainable and robust restart of international travel, dated 29 July 2021
Parliament page
7 Sep 2021 Correspondence from the Prime Minister, relating to International travel: traffic light system and consumer costs
Parliament page