Action needed on aviation

Pilots’ union BALPA is urging the government to act now, as research reveals the continuing devastating effect COVID restrictions are having on UK airlines and airports.

Findings based on analysis of official European air traffic data for June 2021 show that the UK aviation industry is the “hardest hit” in Europe by restrictions on international travel.

The number of flights into and out of the UK has collapsed by almost three-quarters (73%) compared to data collected in 2019. It shows that Gatwick and Manchester airports are the worst affected in Europe, with Heathrow and Stansted close behind.

According to the International Air Transport Association, 860,000 jobs in UK aviation, travel and tourism have been lost — or are on furlough and at risk of being lost.

The government says it has given £7 billion in support to UK aviation. But BALPA says most of this is either standard furlough payments, or loans which the industry will struggle to pay back.

Brian Strutton, BALPA acting general secretary, said: “Hapless ministers give all the appearance of deliberately attacking aviation and tormenting the public with their mixed messages over summer holidays.“