London City Airport to potentially cut 239 roles due to COVID-19

London City Airport has officially begun staff consultations to explore ways of reducing costs, including voluntary redundancy.

The proposals could result in up to 239 roles being lost across the organisation.

The airport suspended commercial flights on 25 March 2020 because of the sharp contraction in international travel. Flights resumed on 21 June but passenger numbers have remained well below 2019 levels and this is expected to continue during the upcoming winter season.

Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport, said: “It is with huge regret that we are announcing this restructuring programme 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 devasting 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.”

The airport has already cut all non-essential spending. In August 2020 it announced a temporary pause to the airport’s £500 million development programme, including a new terminal extension. Major projects already underway will be completed as planned by the end of this year, providing increased capacity for when demand returns.