Department for Transport: Aviation
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 Oman; 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 she assessed the potential merits of (a) conducting the engagements remotely and (b) combining the engagements with other travel.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
The Department for Transport (DfT) undertakes essential international work each year, including for aviation and maritime security, which includes direct engagement with other countries and international bodies. While a significant proportion of DfT’s international activity is conducted remotely, in person visits are also necessary to deliver effective engagement and technical assistance, particularly in an operational environment. The visits to Oman were programmed to support DfT’s ongoing international activity.
All visits were approved by a Senior Civil Servant in DfT, in line with departmental policy. Where possible, visits have been combined with other official travel.
June 2025: Three officials (two Senior Executive Officers and one Executive Officer) for aviation security. Cost: £2103.14.
July 2025: One official (one Senior Executive Officer) for aviation security. Cost: £665.98.
February 2025: Six officials (five Senior Executive Officers and one Higher Executive Officer) to deliver a workshop on cyber security, port facility security assessments/plans and recognising firearms and explosives. Cost: £19369.
As part of the planning process for each visit, consideration was given to whether the engagement could be conducted remotely. While some preparatory and follow‑up activity was undertaken virtually, it was not possible to conduct these visits fully remotely.
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