The impasse between Britain and the EU in Brexit negotiations is "crazy" and "risky" for airlines with time running out to ensure cross-Channel flights can continue unimpeded, the world's airline body has warned.

The guidance "clearly exposes the extreme seriousness of what is at stake and underscores the huge amount of work that would be required to maintain vital air links", IATA chief Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement.

The government technical paper stressed that without an overarching Brexit deal, airlines will have to seek two different approvals from each of the rest of the 27 EU members to ensure they have the regulatory framework to fly. 

Airlines themselves have warned that their cross-Channel flights may be grounded for lack of insurance if they cannot be sure their pilots' licenses and safety standards are recognized after Britain leaves the EU on March 29.

Source: AFP