Global airlines association warns of potential Brexit impact

Disruptions to air travel are possible if Britain leaves the EU in March without a deal, the head of the leading association for airlines around the world warned Thursday. Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of IATA, said the risk to traffic flow is partly under control after the announcement of contingency plans. However, he voiced concerns about the possibility of some disruption that could involve flight adjustments and cancellations in the period after a so-called "no-deal" Brexit because current guidelines relating to air travel between Britain and the EU reflect 2018 traffic levels. "I am not concerned that there will be a major disruption, but I am concerned that there will be disruptions in the coming weeks, in the coming months because it has not been calibrated properly," de Juniac said. UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told the House of Commons on Thursday that there would be no disruption to flights in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Civil Aviation Authority was working on creating a "properly functional British alternative," he said. IATA, which represents some 290 airlines, relies on open borders, de Juniac said. "When you close these borders, it's not good news for us," he said. <br/>