BREXIT: A Bolt from the Blue! – Red Sky in the Morning?

After membership in the EU lasting more than forty years, the United Kingdom held a referendum in June 2016 to decide whether to remain in the EU or to leave. While the result was close, the majority of the voting population opted to leave. This paper reflects upon the possible consequences to U.K. airlines and the traveling public in order to consider whether, after the exit, there will be “red skies at night” after the initial “red skies in the morning” – warning, which undoubtedly is the current indicator level.

In considering the possible rationale and reasoning for the decision, the research considers crucial related aspects such as sovereignty and governance – linked to nationality and borders – issues that have undeniably affected aviation development.

This paper explores the relationship of the EU and UK and the advancement of air transport in the EU, of which the UK has been a significant part – questioning what is next for the UK after Brexit. Consideration is given to low cost carrier development in the UK and the metamorphosis of British Airways during the aviation policy development and liberalization process in the EU, both internally and externally.

Whilst considerable uncertainty exists – for the UK and, indeed, the EU – the underlying concern remains for the impending risk to aviation advancement as a result of Brexit. Time cannot be turned back, but the future of aviation may see regression rather than progression.