Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on Heathrow airport of reports that British Airways plans to make up to 12,000 staff redundant.

We recognise the impact of British Airways announcement will be very distressing news for BA employees and their families, and we stand ready to support them. The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.

If airlines find themselves in trouble as a result of coronavirus and have exhausted the measures already available to them, the Transport Secretary is clear that the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort.

The Transport Secretary, Aviation Minister and DfT officials are in regular contact with the aviation sector, ensuring that the Government is kept fully aware of the latest developments with all firms and to understand where additional policy measures could address specific industry issues.