Airlines could be on brink of collapse unless promised government support is delivered soon

AIRLINES could begin "winding down" and making redundancies unless promised government support is delivered soon, a union has warned.

The Coronavirus outbreak has left the aviation industry at risk of "collapse" while a financial helpline is negotiated.

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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says he is committed to helping the sector with a series of announcements expected shortly.

But airline pilots union boss Brian Strutton said the aviation sector had been "hit first and hardest" by the pandemic leading to the downturn.

The British Airline Pilots Association chief said: "It's disgraceful that the Government keeps promising to help but is still sitting on its hands while airlines are shutting down.

"Airlines can't survive with no revenue coming in and are already cutting wages and jobs.

"Unfortunately the rescue packages put together yesterday are not ready yet but airlines are in crisis now and need help immediately."

Mr Strutton said state investment in UK airlines is "essential as a matter of urgency before it's too late".

The union claimed that airline companies will be "winding down next week" before the Government support scheme is ready.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that a package of measures would be agreed to support the aviation sector.

Meanwhile, Ryanair announced this week it may suspend all flights except those providing "essential connectivity" due to the coronavirus.