Travel: Regulatory & Commercial
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 3335Chambers Review
Fountain Court Chambers is a go-to set for travel-related regulatory and commercial work, housing considerable expertise in the handling of claims involving flight delays and cancellations. Members of Fountain Court are regularly called upon to advise on ATOL-related matters and complex regulatory issues arising from industry changes and airline insolvencies. The team is instructed to act on behalf of a wide range of clients, including several major airlines, airports and regulatory bodies. Recent work highlights include Lipton v BA CityFlyer, an appeal involving the availability of a defence of extraordinary circumstance in the event of unforeseen and sudden illness of crew.
Alex Taylor is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are good and responsive."
"The clerks are good and responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Akhil Shah KC stands out in the market due to his expertise and proven track record in key travel cases concerning flight delay claims and passenger rights. Many of these cases have set new legal precedents. In addition, he advises on new market entries and questions arising from the Denied Boarding Regulations. He acts for airlines, tour operators and regulatory bodies.
"Akhil's advice is always spot on. He comes up with new angles on cases and he is brilliant on paper and on his feet."
"Akhil really has the ear of the court. He's very calm and very pleasant to work with."
Bankim Thanki KC is a leading aviation silk who regularly receives instructions from airlines, contractors and regulators. He handles commercial disputes over airport development and operation, and offers regulatory assistance with regard to liabilities in the context of tour operator bankruptcy.
"He is a very measured and persuasive advocate and is very effective in cross-examinations."
"He is really experienced with a calm, cool head."
"Bankim inspires confidence in the client."
Rosalind Phelps KC has a broad range of expertise in travel law and is regularly instructed in cases concerning ATOL licensing applications, travel litigation and disputes involving airlines. She acts for both airline companies and regulatory authorities.
"She is bright, easy to deal with and sees the points that matter."