With the aviation industry completely consumed with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, preparations for the end of the transition phase for the UK's departure from the European Union (EU) have been put on the back burner even though there are potentially serious consequences for not being prepared. The crisis has disrupted negotiations between the UK and the EU covering future arrangements, including the regulation of aviation and market access. It is far from clear that agreement will be reached before the transition period ends at midnight on Dec. 31, 2020, leaving open the possibility of a so-called "no-deal" scenario that could be highly disruptive.
The two sides have until June 30 to determine whether or not to extend the transition period by between 12 and 24 months to give more time for agreement to be reached. However, Britain's Conservative government has steadfastly ruled out a request for an extension, even though talks are well behind schedule.
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