Virgin Atlantic have told staff they will cut more than 3,000 jobs due to the coronavirus crisis.
The firm has become the latest airline to announce massive job cuts- with reports stating they will lay off 3,150 jobs at the airline.
It's understood the airline will also not restart operations at Gatwick and will reduce the size of its fleet to 35 by summer 2022.
Staff and unions have been told of the decision ahead of an official announcement.
The aviation sector has been hit hard by the pandemic with tourist flights drying up.
Last week British Airways and Ryanair announced thousands of job cuts.
Virgin Atlantic has also furloughed staff through the government retention scheme.
Virgin Atlantic said uncertainty over when flying will resume as well as "unprecedented market conditions" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic had "severely reduced revenues".
Chief executive Shai Weiss said: "We have weathered many storms since our first flight 36 years ago, but none has been as devastating as Covid-19 and the associated loss of life andlivelihood for so many.
"However, to safeguard our future and emerge a sustainably profitable business, now is the time for further action to reduce our costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible.
"It is crucial that we return to profitability in 2021.
"I wish it was not the case, but we will have to reduce the number of people we employ."
He added: "After 9/11 and the Global Financial Crisis, we took similar painful measures but fortunately many members of our team were back flying with us within a couple of years.
"Depending on how long the pandemic lasts and the period of time our planes are grounded for, hopefully the same will happen this time."
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