Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has assessed the adequacy of existing public interest powers to scrutinise potential takeovers of strategically important airlines.

The UK has a robust framework for scrutinising acquisitions where relevant public interest or national security concerns arise. Existing powers, including the National Security and Investment Act 2021, enable Government scrutiny and intervention where statutory tests are met.

In addition, any change of ownership involving a UK airline would need to satisfy the relevant aviation regulatory requirements and approvals. The Civil Aviation Authority are responsible for assessing compliance with those requirements and may refer matters to the Secretary of State.

The Government has no current plans to introduce additional public interest powers relating specifically to airline ownership.