A union has voiced doubts over the viability of Southampton airport without government intervention following the failure of Flybe.
Eastern Airways and Loganair have stepped in to revive some former routes operated by the collapse regional carrier, which accounted for 85% of the airport’s traffic.
But the Unite union warned that the Hampshire airport was in “imminent danger” of being forced to close
The alert came as baggage handler Swissport told staff at the airport that it plans to cut about 40% of its nearly 200-strong workforce.
Unite, which represents almost 400 of the 1,000 Southampton airport workers across a number of employers, said the collapse of Flybe and the impact coronavirus, were an “existential threat” to the its future.
The union called on ministers to protect Southampton, as well as other regional airports and the local economies that surround them, by subsidising key routes, so that those previously operated by Flybe are rapidly filled by other carriers.
Other measures that should be introduced include the extension and creation of loans to airlines to ensure they can retain staff and routes until bookings recover and a delay in the payment of taxes and duties that airlines are obliged to pay.
Unite also believes that Southampton and other regional airports will need to “insource: key staff and operate a slimmed down operation until the industry recovers.
Unite regional officer Chris Gray said: “This is a very uncertain and rapidly changing period for the airport’s workforce and Unite is doing everything in its power to defend the jobs and interests of our members.
“When Flybe went under so did most of Southampton airport’s work. This, combined with the spread of coronavirus, has left the airport in imminent danger.
“Southampton airport can weather this storm, but it will require immediate government assistance to keep the UK’s airline industry up and running.
“As well as being an important employer, Southampton airport is a key hub for the region’s economy.
“Ministers must step in and ensure the airport emerges after the current difficulties facing the industry have passed.
“Unite is committed to working with Southampton airport and looking at all options in order to maintain a functioning airport.”
A spokesperson for the airport declined to comment.