British airlines fear a Brexit pounding

After two years of insisting that Brexit has had no impact on flight bookings, British airlines are starting to see the first evidence to suggest sales are taking a hit.

Virgin Atlantic Airways and discount operator Jet2 have said demand is being depressed by the weaker pound, a trend that could deepen as political opposition threatens to derailthe exit settlement that Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with the European Union.

Ryanair also says it expects airlines to suffer as the lingering prospect of a no-deal Brexit hits sterling, thoughthe budget airline reckons that customers who have seen their spending power shrink may head in its direction.