Air passengers should not put off booking flights to European destinations over Brexit fears, a Transport minister has claimed.

Andrew Jones said the Government wants "all aviation passengers to book with confidence" regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal.

During a Commons debate on transport, Mr Jones said: "The air market is vital across the UK and the EU and connecting people and businesses.

"Both sides - the EU and UK - have a mutual interest in maintaining closely integrated aviation markets.

"Both sides have put in place measures to ensure that flights can continue in any EU exit scenario.

"And both sides have demonstrated a clear commitment to maintaining connectivity."

Mr Jones said this should give air passengers "the confidence to book and fly to European destinations however we leave the EU".

Proposed no-deal guidance from the EU Commission, published last December, stated that flights between the UK and EU should continue for
12 months in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

However, UK airlines would not be allowed to add new routes or increase frequencies.

In March, the UK Government published guidelines which said it would reciprocate these rights for EU airlines, which would come into effect from November in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Jones added: "I'm aware there has been uncertainty and there has publicity the press about how this has potentially dampened demand and led to people potentially redirecting their holiday choices.

"The key thing is we have made great progress and that in any EU exit scenario there will be a clear commitment to maintaining connectivity."