UK based low-cost-carrier EasyJet has announced that it will close three of its UK airport bases as the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic continue to plough its way through the aviation industry. The airline will be closing its bases at London Stansted, Southend and Newcastle airports. An estimated 670 jobs are expected to be cut as a result.
The UK has been the worst hit country in Europe with regards to the death rate of Covid-19 patients, with many criticising the UK Government for its handling of the situation. The travel industry continues to struggle in part due to restrictive and unpredictable quarantine measures. At present, passengers returning to the England from Spain, Andorra, Monaco, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands and Malta (amongst a select few farther destinations) must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival (or return) to England, regardless of a negative test result.
Along with the health risks alone, such restrictive measures have put many passengers off from travelling and others have been left desperately trying to return to the UK. As such, EasyJet are unable to sustain their current operations without cuts due to the decrease in passenger numbers. In May, the carrier issued a statement claiming that up to 4,500 jobs may be lost across the company’s European operations.
Matt is a Berlin-based writer and reporter for International Flight Network. Originally from London, he has been involved in aviation from a very young age and has a particular focus on aircraft safety, accidents and technical details.
