Up to 239 jobs at risk at London City Airport

London City Airport has announced it is cutting up to 239 jobs as part of “crucial restructuring plans”.

The proposals mean 35% of roles could be lost across the airport.

A consultation has begun with staff on ways of reducing costs, including through voluntary redundancy.

The airport was closed for nearly three months from March 25 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Scheduled flights are currently operating to 17 destinations but passenger numbers are well below normal levels.

London City said in a statement that the proposed job losses are part of “crucial restructuring plans to safeguard the airport in the face of the coronavirus pandemic”.

It has already “cut all non-essential spending”, including pausing its £500 million development programme.

The airport’s leadership team has had a 25% reduction in pay since April, while chief executive Robert Sinclair has seen his salary reduced by 30%.

The aviation industry has been badly hit by the pandemic, with thousands of UK job losses announced across airports and airlines.

Demand has been affected by the requirement for arrivals from many countries to self-isolate for 14 days.

There have been growing calls for airport testing to be introduced as a way of easing quarantine requirements.

Mr Sinclair said: “It is with huge regret that we are announcing this restructuring programme today and our thoughts are with all of our highly valued staff and their families.

“The aviation sector is in the throes of the biggest downturn it has ever experienced as a result of the pandemic. We have held off looking at job losses for as long as possible, but sadly we are not immune from the devastating impact of this virus.

“Our focus in the coming weeks is to help all staff through this exceptionally difficult period. We are committed to playing our part in rebuilding a stronger local and national economy once the worst of the downturn passes and believe that the difficult decisions we are taking now will enable the airport to bounce back in a better shape when growth returns.”

London City was the UK’s 12th busiest airport last year, handling 5.1 million passengers.