Following the extention of the deadline in their unilateral contigency legislation released today, the EU have confirmed that UK airlines will still be able to operate flights between the UK and the EU until at least October next year.

The deadline for this contigency was set for March 2020 under the previous legislation however this new extention will now allow customers to book their travel further in advance with confidence that flight schedules will not be affected ABTA confirmed.

This extention follows extensive lobbying by ABTA with key EU destination countries which pointed out the mutual benefits of increasing customer confidence for next summer.

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: "ABTA has been pushing hard for this extension, which is to the mutual benefit of UK customers and the EU, and we are encouraged that the European Commission has responded today by extending the deadline.

"This legislation was originally passed as a contingency measure in the event of a no-deal scenario, an extension until at least October 2020 will give customers much needed confidence in making their travel plans."

ABTA have also stated it will continue to lobby the UK Government, EU officials and destinations governments on other issues relating to Brexit that are having an impact on the travel and tourism industry.