"The key recommendation of the report is for doctors to be able to breach patient confidentiality to warn aviation authorities of potential risks.

The report states: "Legal frameworks in most countries allow doctors to breach medical confidentially and warn authorities if the disclosure of personal information would lessen or prevent a serious and/or imminent danger or a threat to public safety.

"In some countries, like Canada, Israel, or Norway, it is even compulsory for health care providers to do so, even without the consent of the patient.

"A survey conducted by the BEA shows that the absence of formal definition of "imminent danger" and "threat to public safety" drives doctors to adopt a conservative approach."
"The first recommendation of the report is revealed as investigators recommend a change in the law to protect doctors who pass on medical information to protect the public.

Mr Jouty says it is important to "strike a balance between patient confidentiality and public safety".

He adds when doctors believe there is a "likely risk to public safety" that "healthcare providers should be protected to avoid being taken to court when such information is passed on.

"We think this is a global issue".

The recommendation will be passed on to the World Health Organisation and to the German Transport Ministry and German Doctors Council