By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Millions of Jobs at Risk as European Airline Losses Increase
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Millions of Jobs at Risk as European Airline Losses Increase

Millions of Jobs at Risk as European Airline Losses Increase

Travel Radar
Last updated: 1 May 2020 16:08
By Travel Radar Staff
3 Min Read
Share
SHARE

The turn of events after COVID-19 spread has been unprecedented. The aviation industry in Europe is a workhorse supporting 12.2 million jobs and adding $900 billion to the GDP. Over the last couple of months, the restrictions have brought the airline industry to a standstill. Airlines based in Europe are experiencing mounting losses due to which millions of jobs are at risk.

COVID-19 Impact

The growth in the number of COVID-19 cases from one hundred to over one million cases in Europe in two months has caused the aviation industry’s prospects to decline. The airline industry, which is one of the most substantial economic engines in Europe, has put to risk at least two million jobs. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) which represents 290 airlines comprising 82 per cent of global air traffic analysed that the passenger demand fell by 55 per cent compared to 2019.

Considering restrictions on travel due to COVID-19, the airline industry had to cancel 90 per cent of its operations. The potential loss could reach up to $89 billion due to cancellations and reduced demand. The figures are identical to what the industry faced during the global financial crisis in 2009. Airlines across Europe employ twelve million directly and indirectly.

IATA job losses forecast
IATA’s forecast as to how COVID-19 would affect Europe’s airline industry ©IATA

Although the severe restrictions due to the pandemic will likely end, gradually allowing air travel to resume, airlines will have to participate in social distancing norms to prevent the second wave of a rise in COVID-19 cases. Spain, which is the worst affected region in Europe, will see 114 million fewer passengers. This will risk 900,000 jobs resulting in $15.5 billion revenue loss, ultimately lowering the contribution to Spain’s economy by $60 billion. Britain, Italy, France and Germany will face similar consequences.

“Every job created in the aviation industry supports another 24 jobs in the wider economy. Governments must recognise the vital importance of the air transport industry. And that support is urgently needed” as said by Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.

Support to airlines

Governments need to support airlines financially either through bailing out or reducing taxes. This will help airlines stay financially viable and minimise job cuts during the crisis. It will also help them prepare to restart operations and adding new destinations once the lockdown is lifted.

Air France and KLM recently received $10 billion as a bailout from their respective governments. Lufthansa which shut down their LCC Germanwings to survive the impact of coronavirus also received a similar bailout package from the German government. Many other airlines in Europe are lobbying for government support at this hour and only time will answer their survival.

You Might Also Like

Coronavirus; What Effect on Airlines?
Indian Aviation Authority to Routine-Check Commercial Aircraft
Greater Bay Airlines Receives Designation From Hong Kong
Hawaiian Airlines Celebrates Hawaiian Language Month
KLM 777 turns back over Atlantic due to technical issues
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
ByTravel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article Australia and New Zealand to Open Borders to Each Other
Next Article The old University Observatory in Tartu, Estonia Tartu and its Secret Airfield
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
5 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Six KLM blue and white planes are in a line on the tarmac with their tails as the centre of the image.
KLM to Fly to 161 Destinations in Winter 2025-2026
Airline Economics Route Development
A United airlines plane in the blue sky.
United Celebrates ‘Best Ever’ Summer at Newark Liberty International Airport
Airlines Airports Aviation Route Development
Australia Aviation Overview
Airservices Australia Unveils August 2025 Report
Airlines Aviation Did You Know
A group of passengers seated in an airplane cabin, using their mobile phones. A flight attendant in a red uniform is standing and assisting one of the passengers. The interior of the airplane shows rows of seats and windows.
Avianca Offers Business Class Américas In More Than 80 Destinations
Airlines Aviation Route Development
The front entrance of Bournemouth Airport, featuring a large arched roof and the main sign that reads "Bournemouth Airport - Part of Regional & City Airports." Below the sign is an entrance labeled "Departures" with glass doors and various signs indicating directions and restrictions.
Bournemouth Airport Faces Pay Strikes After Staff Reject Latest Offer
Airports Aviation Breaking News
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up