The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement concluded today and announced by UK prime minister Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, will mean unlimited point-to-point traffic between EU and UK airports - so-called third and fourth freedoms - can continue.
UK carriers will not, however, be able to operate onward passenger flights via the EU – such as London-Amsterdam-Bangkok.
The end of freedom of movement means that UK visitors to the EU will need a valid passport and visas will be required for stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. UK citizens will need to use non-EU lanes at airports, there will be additional border checks and passports will have to be stamped.
The agreement will ensure cooperation on safety, security and air traffic management including provisions on ground handling and slots that cover non-discrimination & access, as well as passenger rights.
The EC says the agreement also contains “horizontal level playing field clauses on environment, social issues and competition”.
The fine detail of the agreement – which stretches to 2,000 pages - will be released shortly, the UK government's chief negotiator David Frost said.