The budget airline easyJet has said it has applied to a number of European countries to get authorisation to continue flying throughout Europe.
It said it has been in talks with non-UK regulators to obtain an air operator certificate (AOC).
To continue its flights across Europe, easyJet needs as AOC from another EU country if the UK fails to secure access to the European market. The UK certificate would limit it to flights within the UK.
If Britain is able to remain in the single market, the carrier’s position would not change.
The company said: “As part of easyJet’s contingency planning before the referendum we had informal discussions with a number of European aviation regulators about the establishment of an AOC in a European country to enable easyJet to fly across Europe as we do today.
“EasyJet has now started a formal process to acquire an AOC. We have no plans to move from Luton – our home for 20 years.”
The airline said it would not decide on its course of action until Britain’s relationship with the EU becomes clear.
On Monday, easyJet said the consumer caution on spending which resulted from the referendum outcome was likely to add to a downturn in profit.
