TRANSPORT minister John Hayes has admitted no research has been commissioned into the impact of Brexit on our airlines.

It raises fears that UK-based airlines will be barred from flying to and from European countries after we leave the EU in two years.

3 Ministers have done NO impact assessments of the travel industry after Brexit Credit: PA:Press Association

Asked if the Department for Transport had commissioned any research into likely changes to the aviation industry after Brexit, Mr Hayes said: "The Department has not commissioned any such research in the last twelve months."

It came hours after Brexit Secretary David Davis stunned MPs by admitting the Government had not calculated the economic impact of a ‘Hard Brexit’.

The lack of emergency planning for leaving the European Common Aviation Area with no new deal in place will hit low-cost airlines based in the UK the hardest.

The agreement allows our airlines access across Europe and 17 non-EU countries.

3 There are fears of rising fares and poorer access to EU countries after we leave the bloc Credit: PA:Press Association

British holidaymakers would face soaring air fares and access to fewer destinations because they would be forced to fly with more expensive foreign airlines such as Air France or Lufthansa.

The lack of contingency planning on aviation - revealed in response to a parliamentary question last week - comes despite Theresa May ordering all government departments to draw up emergency plans in case no Brexit deal can be struck with the EU. The PM has insisted she is prepared to walk away from talks with EU leaders if they offer Britain a “bad deal”.

Travel experts said fares could soar by a third if the UK and the EU fail to agree new regulations for airlines.

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The Government also admitted it had just four full-time civil servants working on negotiating international aviation deals.

In contrast, the EU has 83 officials working on the agreements. And an EU source warned: “The British are really overwhelmed and struggling.”

Ministers were accused of “risking a disaster for British holidaymakers” through its failure to plan properly for Brexit.

3 Ministers were accused of risking a disaster for travellers Credit: EPA

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron fumed: “Ministers need to come up with a plan to secure low-cost flights to Europe and pay-outs for delays.

“A crash landing out of the EU without a deal could leave British passengers grounded and bring an end to cheap getaways to the continent.”

A Government spokesman said: “Aviation is absolutely crucial to the UK’s economy and we are committed to getting the best deal possible for Britain.

“We will work closely with the international aviation community to ensure that this global industry continues to be a major success story for the UK economy.

“Our dedicated team that works on air services agreements are supported by a much larger team considering our future relationship with Europe and preparing for negotiation of our exit.”