Originally Posted by
Super VC-10
As you say, there are international treaties (which are nothing to do with the EU) in place to facilitate aircraft of one country flying over other countries.
What I can see happening is that the UK would reciprocate, and withdraw all UK airspace to EI- registered aircraft, and flights to and from the Irish Republic. The UK wouldn't be affected too much, as transatlantic flighs would route south of Ireland, or across Northern Ireland, in UK airspace. Irish flights would only have the option of going west then south, or a long way north before turning east to Europe. That would massively increase their fuel costs and make the routes unprofitable.
"The UK wouldn't be affected much " ?
We should be very careful about bandying that sort of propaganda. If the UK tries to use airspace and ATC restrictions in an attempt to leverage weight in its negotiations, it would be wise to remember that only a comparatively small number of European airlines use Shanwick when you you look at total flight numbers. They can use Santa Maria or Kef if need be. 85-90% of uk airlines have to route through EU airspace. We'd be on a hiding to nothing if the Uk government tries that one!