Regulations proposed by the European Union (EU) for pilot flying hours have been rejected by the EU Transport and Tourism Select Committee.

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) voted 20 to 13 in favour of scrapping the changes, which would have implemented a European standard for how long pilots fly for.

The decision was met with a positive response by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), which was concerned the new direction would see an increase in fatigue for UK pilots, increasing safety issues.

BALPA's general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "The commission must now go back to the drawing board and work with pilots and scientists to develop rules on flying time and tiredness that are based on evidence and expert experience."

Mr McAuslan said that 90 per cent of passengers were concerned that their pilot could be landing a plane after being awake for 22 hours.

The union is now calling on the UK's aviation minister for an audit of proposals from independent scientists and medical professionals before any more progress is made.