Thousands of UK airport jobs are at risk as airlines cut schedules amid disruption linked to the Iran conflict. Ground handling firms and unions have warned ministers that the impact on employment could rival, or even exceed, the pandemic, as reduced flight volumes threaten.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air travel demand fell 65.9% in 2020 due to the pandemic. The UK's aviation sector has been severely impacted, with some airlines cutting thousands of jobs.
The FTSE 100 airline sector has seen significant share price falls in recent weeks, with British Airways' parent company, IAG, down 20% year-to-date. The Bank of England has warned of potential economic disruption from the conflict, citing the impact on global supply chains and energy markets.
Union bosses are urging the government to provide support to protect workers, with some calling for financial assistance and job guarantees. The government has yet to respond to these calls, but it is understood that officials are working on a package of measures to support the aviation sector.