Gatwick Airport has announced plans to cut 600 jobs after passenger numbers plummeted by more than 80% this month compared to last year.
The airport is the latest business in the travel industry to confirm job cuts as the sector continues to be devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The proposed job cuts will amount to almost a quarter (24%) of Gatwick’s entire workforce.
In a statement, Gatwick’s CEO Stewart Wingate said: “If anyone is in any doubt about the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the aviation and travel industry then today’s news we have shared with our staff, regarding the proposed job losses, is a stark reminder.
“We are in ongoing talks with Government to see what sector specific support can be put in place for the industry at this time, alongside mechanisms which will give our passengers greater certainty on where and when they can safely travel abroad.
“We will continue to do all we can to preserve as many jobs as possible.”