Southampton Airport's biggest airline Flybe has warned European proposals for a tax on aviation fuel would cause fares to rise.

The airline, which runs flights to 25 destinations from Southampton, branded the idea "unwarranted, unwanted and unsympathetic to the needs of the general public".

Europe's third largest low fares airline, Flybe claims air travel more than pays its way already.

"The rail industry had more than £31 billion of European subsidy last year," said Flybe's Mike Rutter. "We say fine, bring in a tax but at least make it a level playing field for all travel industries.

"These proposals are wrong headed and we would have to pass on any of the impact to customers.

"It would put upward pressure on fares, but it wouldn't devastate our business."

Hampshire MEP Nirj Deva has also attacked the plans, which were put forward by the German government, as "bad for business and bad for Hampshire".

Mr Deva said: "These proposals are highly irresponsible and have the power to undermine the local economy of Hampshire as a result of less air traffic and job losses.

"The airline industry is currently suffering from high fuel prices and to impose extra taxes on fuel will seriously jeopardise the future of many smaller airlines flying out of Southampton.

"I will do all I can to oppose the passage of this legislation in the European Parliament.

"If imposed, it will be another blow against the competitiveness of the British economy and a slap in the face to the people of Hampshire."

Southampton Airport has been voted the UK's top airport by readers of travellers' magazine Wanderlust. It is the third time in a row that Southampton has triumphed in the annual poll of 2,500 readers.