Near-misses on runways increase

The report says the growth in air traffic poses significant new risks

The potential for collisions between planes on runways is increasing, according to a report seen by the BBC.

The document, written by air traffic controllers, details 27 occasions over the last four years where there was a "serious potential" for an accident.

Ian Hall, a spokesman for National Air Traffic Services, warned of a "risk to safety" under the current system.

The report says the growth in air traffic poses significant new risks and proposes changes to improve safety.

There is now a runway incursion every three days on average in Europe, according to the document.

Planes in the air have collision warning systems, but once they reach the ground dialogue between air traffic controllers and pilots is the only safeguard against collisions with aircraft waiting for take-off.

And there can be a risk of misunderstanding or procedure differences between countries.

Near-miss

Jonathan Briggs was travelling on a MyTravel jet that was involved with a near-miss with a Ryanair plane at a runway on Manchester airport in February.

He described the incident to BBC1's Ten O'Clock News: "All of sudden the brakes came on and we were thrown forward in our seats and the plane was brought to an emergency stop."

The document reveals tighter rules for air controllers and pilots in Britain.

Mr Hall outlined the need for changes.

He said: "Indications from across the world tell us that unless we start to deal with the issue now, there is a possibility that in due course there could be a risk to safety."

A runway collision at Milan airport killed 118 people in October 2001.

A Scandinavian SAS plane sped down the runway in fog and collided with a light aircraft, killing everyone on both planes and four baggage handlers.