EasyJet Plans to Close Three British Hubs, Cut 4,500 Jobs

London (dpa) - Low-cost airline easyJet on Tuesday said it had opened consultations on the closure of three British hubs and cuts of around 30 per cent in its staff.

The airline said it had begun talks with trade unions on cuts affecting "all of its UK-based pilots and crew," following an announcement last month that it could cut up to 4,500 of its 15,000 staff.

The proposals include closing three of easyJet's 11 airport hubs in Britain: Stansted and Southend, both close to London in south-eastern England; and Newcastle in the north-east.

The consultations are designed "with the aim of minimizing job losses as far as possible," it said, citing expectations that passenger demand will not recover to 2019 levels until 2023.

"These are very difficult proposals to put forward in what is an unprecedented and difficult time for the airline, and the industry as a whole," said Johan Lundgren, easyJet's chief executive.

"We are focused on doing what is right for the company and its long-term health and success so we can protect jobs going forward," Lundgren said.

Other British-based airlines have announced possible staff cuts, including 12,000 at British Airways and 3,000 at Ryanair.

An airport industry group also warned last week that more than 20,000 jobs could be lost in Britain, with tens of thousands more at risk in businesses that indirectly depend upon airports.

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