AIRPORTS in Europe are urging the EU to soften their stance and get a deal with Britain done - saying they cannot cope with “no deal” Brexit.

A leaked memo reveals such a scenario would cause “major disruption and heightened safety risks” for passengers as well as higher costs.

The Airports Council International are putting pressure on Michel Barnier to get an aviation agreement in place as soon as possible.

They demand "urgently" for the UK to be allowed to stay in the "one-stop security" regime which allows the free flow of transferring passengers.

It comes as Theresa May arrives in Salzburg for a meeting of EU leaders to convince them her Chequers compromise can be the basis for a deal.

According to Sky News, the document says at least six million passengers on UK-originating flights transferring in the continent would face extra security and screening.

The confidential memo, marked September 2018, was sent to Mr Barnier’s deputy Sabine Weyand.

It follows another letter sent the chief negotiator himself earlier this year, but so far no discussions have taken place in this area.

This is reportedly being blamed on the European Commission's Taskforce 50 Brexit negotiation team.

It reads: "Given that a no-deal scenario remains a serious possibility, I would like to reiterate our call for the EU27 and the UK to develop and agree on adequate contingencies for aviation."

Although major EU airports like Schiphol in Amsterdam and Frankfurt would be affected, those in Britain would not, although it would create a greater risk UK passengers may miss their connecting flights.

The memo also explains these hubs would have to "purchase additional security equipment, build new security checkpoints, recruit extra security and service staff at significant costs for airlines and airports and ultimately passengers".

The airport group concludes "agreement must be made" that the UK remains in the one-stop security regime "effective 30 March 2019" - whether or not there is a deal.