The UK is at a ‘competitive disadvantage’ post Brexit regarding air travel, says British Airways boss Sean Doyle.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme adds extra red tape, time and expense for travellers connecting through UK hubs.
Visa-exempt transit passengers are required to pay a £10 fee and wait up to three days for confirmation.
Connecting flights are an important segment for British Airways, Doyle says.
It ‘put carriers like British Airways at a competitive disadvantage to European hubs.’
Doyle was presenting to aviation leaders at the Airline 2023 conference in London.
“We need to make sure by stealth we don’t make our industry uncompetitive.”
BA says around 40% of its traffic to Heathrow is connecting.
Most countries do not charge for transiting through a country via an international hub airport.
The ETA is live for nationals of Qatar, however the aviation industry has expressed concerns about the fee.
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