The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has claimed that a ‘no deal’ Brexit could result in a restriction on flights and higher prices for customers.

IATA said that the UK Parliament’s decision to reject the UK-EU Brexit agreement will not impact the majority of passengers’ flights, but may bring uncertainty to both airlines and travellers if the UK leaves without an agreement.

Guidance from the EU Commission in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit states that existing flights between the UK and EU will continue to operate, but no increase in the number of flights will be allowed during this year.

“In the small window remaining before Brexit it is imperative that the EU and UK prioritise finding a solution.”

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “That current flight levels will be protected even with a hard Brexit is an important assurance. But with two months left until Britain leaves the EU, airlines still do not know exactly what kind of Brexit they should be planning for.

“And there is legal and commercial uncertainty over how the Commission’s plan to cap flight numbers will work.

“In the small window remaining before Brexit it is imperative that the EU and UK prioritise finding a solution that brings certainty to airlines planning growth to meet demand and to travellers planning business trips and family holidays.”

Previous IATA research revealed that up to five million additional seats are estimated to be required by airlines this year compared to last year to meet demands.