Bristol Airport could cut nearly a quarter of jobs as aviation industry is 'devastated' by coronavirus pandemic

Bristol Airport has announced that it could cut nearly a quarter of jobs claiming the coronavirus pandemic has "devastated" the aviation industry.

It has been confirmed redundancy consultations with 23% of its workforce are now taking place, following a drop in passenger numbers since the start of lockdown.

In a statement the airport said that despite implementing several measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on business, "the current situation is unsustainable given the nature and duration of the restrictions placed upon aviation".

Chief Executive of Bristol Airport, Dave Lees, continued: "Given this unprecedented set of circumstances in which we now find ourselves, it is imperative we take appropriate action to ensure the Airport is best placed to recover and thrive in the longer term, and serve our region whilst protecting the majority of jobs and the people who will play a key role in our future."

The revelation comes just a week after Mr Lees warned he could not rule out job losses as a result of Covid-19.

On Wednesday 1 July the airport re-opened its main terminal and welcomed commercial passengers again, but only at 10% of its normal capacity.

A number of measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Passengers' temperatures are checked on arrival at the airport in a walk-through tent and face masks are mandatory.