Desperate airlines and travel firms call on government for a bailout as coronavirus grinds global travel to a halt
DESPERATE airlines and travel firms want government financial help as global travel grinds to a halt.
The UK’s largest airlines will axe almost all flights in the coming months.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news and updates
Thousands of staff will be put on unpaid leave or let go as the crisis threatens to bankrupt businesses. Travel association ABTA said: “Without support, perfectly viable UK travel companies employing tens of thousands of people are at risk of going bankrupt.”
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are reducing capacity by 75 per cent in April and May and easyJet is now running only rescue and repatriation flights in order to fly customers home.
Ryanair expects to ground the majority of its flights in the next ten days and will cut capacity in April and May by up to 80 per cent.
Tour operator TUI has suspended all holidays including package holidays and cruises. And P&O and Cunard have also cancelled all cruises worldwide until April 11.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “It is vital the Government considers all options to support the industry through this challenging period.”
Tap to see where COVID-19 is near you
most read in travel
THEY are the everyday heroes now working around the clock to keep us safe from coronavirus.
So this is the time to tell hard-pressed NHS staff how grateful you are for all their efforts.
Show your support and we will feature your messages in the newspaper and online.
Send your best wishes to: [email protected] or submit your message using the form below.
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]