Department for Transport
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 120039, what the purpose was of each flight to Serbia; which Ministers and senior officials approved each visit; how many officials travelled on each occasion and at what grade; what the cost was of each visit; and whether an assessment was made of whether those engagements could be (a) conducted remotely and (b) combined with other travel.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
On one occasion, a Deputy Director and Grade 6 travelled to Serbia at a cost of £571.64, in line with departmental policy, to represent the UK at the 165th meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).
On a separate occasion, a Deputy Director travelled to Serbia at a cost of £285.82, in line with departmental policy, to represent the UK at the 206th meeting of the ECAC Coordinating Committee.
ECAC is an intergovernmental organisation which aims to harmonise civil aviation policies among its member states and to support the continued development of a safe, efficient and sustainable European air transport system.
Both instances of ECAC travel were approved by a Director at the Department for Transport.
On a separate occasion a Grade 7, Grade 6 and a Deputy Director travelled to Serbia at a cost of £856.06, in line with departmental policy, to attend an International Civil Aviation Organization Cybersecurity Workshop which included discussion on global risks, international regulation and a tabletop exercise. This was in line with departmental policy approved by a Director at the Department for Transport.
These events all required attendance in person with no option to be attended remotely or, in this instance, combined with other travel.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →