Belfast International Airport has told staff to expect “voluntary redundancies” and warned that they “do not foresee air travel returning to pre-Covid-19 levels for a few years”.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director of the airport, made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday afternoon.
He said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce Belfast International Airport has informed all staff that we will be commencing a consultation with employees across all departments about the introduction of voluntary redundancies. We estimate there will be up to 45 employees lost out of a total workforce of 195.
“I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work, loyalty and dedication. Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on both airlines and airports and the recent announcement by the UK Government about imposing quarantine on arrivals will only exacerbate this further.
“We do not foresee air travel returning to pre-Covid-19 levels for a few years and therefore we have no alternative but to take this difficult decision to reduce our staff numbers.
“Throughout this period we have kept the airport open in order to keep Northern Ireland connected. This has been for emergency medical flights and supplies as well as to accommodate Royal Mail deliveries, military flights and other essential cargo. Keeping the airport fully operational is costing £60,000 a day and we cannot continue to operate at this level.
“As we move to reopen for passenger flights in the coming days we regret that we have to make this announcement. We know it will take time for air travel to recover and this is a measure of last resort.”
