Coronavirus: 'Severe repercussions' at Luton Airport with 20% pay cuts as air travel plummets

In a statement, London Luton Airport CEO Alberto Martin pleaded for the government to protect the aviation industry and added that the situation has already had a "dramatic impact" on Luton Airport.

Mr Martin said: "While we expect demand for air travel to start to return once travel restrictions are lifted, we are currently facing serious disruption.

"We are working tirelessly with staff, unions and all of our partners to take measures to protect the airport’s future and in turn the local and regional economy and the jobs we support."

Action taken so far includes:

> A ban on all staff overtime.

> A freeze on all recruitment.

> Restrictions on costs to essential expenditure only.

> Closing parts of the terminal building, including the long and medium-term car parks.

> Suspending non-essential maintenance and project work.

> A 20% reduction pay across the business with a 20% reduction in hours.

Mr Martin said London Luton Airport has managed to avoid redundancies for now, but it will take "decisive action" to protect the business if necessary.

He added: "We have acted quickly and decisively to protect our business and our employees as best we can, but the situation is changing fast.

"In order for airports to survive and to continue to provide critical infrastructure the UK economy needs when this crisis is over, it is vital that the government takes measures to support us and protect the industry as a whole, now."