UKIP’s transport spokesman Mike Nattrass says new EU proposals, which could legally allow pilots to land their aircraft 22 hours after they woke for the day, could jeopardise air travel safety. Mike Nattrass, who represents the West Midlands region and is a member of the EU’s Transport & Tourism Committee, fears new European pilot fatigue proposals could compromise passenger and air crew safety.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) was due to attend a House of Commons Transport Committee hearing on Wednesday, February 22) to state their concerns over the EU’s plans. BALPA says the new EU proposals would allow pilots to fly further – as far as California – with no crew back-up.

Pilots would also be allowed to work up to seven early starts in a row. The Association fears this could be “desperately fatiguing” for pilots.

Commenting on the proposals this week, Mr Nattrass said: “The UK already has stricter guidelines and standards in place. “The Government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of its citizens. These new EU proposals present a real danger and could jeopardise air travel safety.

“The Government should retain our own far stricter regulations. This is a very serious matter. Air travel safety should be a top priority but here we have the EU proposing regulations which could put greater pressure on pilots and potentially put lives as risk,” he added.