Brexit – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How will Brexit impact on Ireland’s air navigation services and safety regulatory functions?

Currently the IAA does not envisage an adverse impact to its Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations when the UK withdraws from the EU, irrespective of the form Brexit takes. The IAA along with our European counterparts will continually monitor developments to ensure aviation remains as safe following Brexit.

How will Air Traffic Management (ATM) remain unaffected post-Brexit?

Arrangements have been put in place for continued UK-Ireland ATM cooperation as follows:

• Third Country Certification of UK NATS under Article 80 of the EASA Basic Regulation (Regulation 1139/2018);
• The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the UK will continue to recognise all EASA based certificated for up to 2 years post Brexit;
• Regarding overflights, ICAO rules shall continue to be applied.

Will Brexit have any impact on the IAA’s operations at Dublin Airport?

Due to the high level of travel between Ireland and the UK, it is possible that Brexit will affect passenger demand, which is acknowledged by EUROCONTROL in its short-term projections. Whereas this situation is somewhat uncertain and dependant on the form that Brexit takes, the IAA will be sufficiently resourced to ensure it is prepared for all scenarios.

The new Air Traffic Control tower at Dublin Airport is required to facilitate parallel runway operations from 2021 and it will be operational in 2020 irrespective of the form that Brexit takes.

Will the IAA be able to process the increased Brexit related licence applications and transfers in time?

The IAA continues to work through the increased volume of licence applications and transfers received as a result of Brexit. While there may be some delays, additional resources have been allocated, however should there be a further significant increase as Brexit date approaches, the IAA will endeavour to deal with all applications in a reasonable timeframe. 

What will happen if the UK leaves the EASA system?

The CAA has stated that it is committed to maximising continuity and stability for consumers and the UK’s aviation and aerospace industries by indicating it will recognise EASA certificates, approvals and licences for use in the UK aviation system and on UK-registered aircraft for up to two years after the UK exit date.

What impact will Brexit have on licensing for commercial pilots?

Pilots with UK licences who want to fly EU-registered aircraft post-Brexit would need to transfer their licence to another EASA member state or seek a second licence after the exit date from an EASA member state.

Pilots with Third Country licences validated by the UK would be able to operate UK-registered aircraft, but they would need to seek validation from an EASA member state to operate EU-registered aircraft.

Pilots with Third Country licences validated by an EASA member state would lose validation for UK-registered aircraft on the date that the UK leaves the EU.

What impact will Brexit have on licensed engineers?

Engineers with licences issued by EASA member states would be allowed to work on UK-registered aircraft for up to two years after Brexit. Engineers with a UK issued licence would not be able to maintain EU-registered aircraft unless the EU decides to recognise UK engineer licences.

How will Aircraft Maintenance be affected?

UK-registered maintenance organisations will need an EASA third country approval to be able to maintain EU-registered aircraft after Brexit.

What effect will Brexit have on Airline Safety Operational Approvals?

EU-registered airlines operating in the UK would need a third country or foreign carrier approval to operate into the UK post-Brexit. The IAA understands that the CAA has prepared the systems and processes to complete these applications prior to Brexit.

Will Brexit affect any of the security process that the IAA oversees in Ireland?

In the event of a No Deal Brexit, there is an expectation that mutual recognition standards will be respected. However, if this proves not to be the case, the alternative is several weeks of administrative challenge, which could have an impact on passengers and cargo while the various processes are implemented.