Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2026 to Question 11744, how many flights have been paid for by her Department since 4 July 2024 for external training providers approved by the Department; from which companies those training providers were sourced; and, for each such flight, what (a) the cost and (b) the purpose was.

The Department for Transport works with international partners to support the strengthening of aviation security standards at last points of departure to the United Kingdom. This activity includes technical cooperation, engagement with international organisations and, where necessary, in-country visits to provide assurance, share best practice and support the effective delivery of aviation security measures.

The Department maintains a framework agreement for the provision of specialist aviation security training and expertise. Suppliers are appointed to the framework following an open and fair competitive procurement process, after which framework providers may compete for individual requirements in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

The Department does not routinely comment on national security matters. Disclosure of information relating to the number of flights undertaken, the organisations providing specialist services, associated costs and the purpose of individual visits could reveal details of operational activity undertaken in support of aviation security objectives. Furthermore, disclosing information on the countries visited and the frequency of such visits could undermine the effectiveness of the Department's aviation security activities. It would therefore not be in the interests of our overall national security to provide further details in this area.

In addition, it would be of disproportionate cost to the Department to provide fully verified and robust data on the number of flights undertaken, their cost and the specific purpose of individual visits since July 2024.