The operator of both Dublin and Cork Airports will seek up to 1,000 voluntary redundancies from staff due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The daa has seen passenger numbers plummet by a staggering 99% since the pandemic began.
In a memo seen by the Irish Mirror, staff were told that the organisation would be unlikely to have a year like 2019 "for some time" and that the daa was now significantly over-resourced.
Passenger numbers are expected to drop from 35.5 million in 2019 to as low as 21 million next year.
When contacted for a comment, a spokesman for the organisation said: “daa will now engage with its employees and staff representatives in relation to the cost reduction measures required to address the economic crisis that is affecting businesses throughout the aviation sector.
"We are not making any further public comment at this time.”
SPITU has called for an urgent discussion with management over the planned job cuts.
Sector Organiser Neil McGowan said: “The management of daa today issued a notice to staff outlining passenger projections for 2021 and linked them to employment numbers at the airport.
"We will insist that any workers leaving the company as a result of redundancy must do so on a strictly voluntary and agreed basis and our focus will be to ensure that as many jobs possible are maintained in Dublin and Cork Airports.
“We have also requested that the company shares its detailed plans for each section in the airports to include how any new safety protocols will affect staff numbers.
"The announcement will be of great concern to our members at the airports and their families. While there is a great deal of uncertainty in the aviation sector in general, it is clear that the COVID 19 crisis will result in the airport operating in a different manner to allow for social distancing and we need to agree with management the staffing numbers that will ensure staff and passenger safety.
"This may well result in more staff in certain areas than previously required."
