Airlines are refusing to sign contracts with the government to fly asylum seekers despite the Home Office claiming they have “robust plans” in place.
Airlines are declining to sign the government contracts amid fears of damage to their reputations, The Sunday Times has reported.
Ministers appointed an agent to find commercial aircraft firms to fly the asylum seekers to Rwanda should Rishi Sunak’s scheme ever get off the ground.
Failure to source commercial aircraft then the RAF could step in and use the Voyager, which can carry up to 380 passengers.
The Home Office insists that when the Rwanda legislation is law flights will be available and the government will then start to send thousands of asylum seekers to the African nation, which they believe will stop the boats.
A Government spokesman said, “The Government is committed to doing whatever it takes to stop the boats and get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.
“Rwanda is ready to welcome large numbers of people and we have robust plans in place for future flights following discussions with a range of companies.”
